A Loop of Green

I waddled further along the gravel until I bumped right into a big zinc watering can. Coiled on the ground beside its spout was a thick green garden hose, resting in loose, loopy rings. I paused, rocked on my stubby feet to test the dip in the earth, and stepped straight into the center ring. The cool, ribbed rubber pressed snugly against my middle on all sides. My peeled flaps rested flat across the heavy green rim, holding me upright and perfectly steady. I let out a gentle murmur and stood watching tiny ants march along the metal handle.