A Gentle Ripple

I leaned forward on my knees beside the puddle, watching the golden maple leaf float in place. The tiny white pebble sat heavy and calm in the center of the leaf boat. Slowly, I reached out with the tip of my birch walking stick. I dipped the wooden point just an inch into the water, right behind the stem. A smooth, round ripple rolled out across the glass surface. The little boat bobbed once, caught the soft pulse, and glided forward toward the far shore of gravel. I sat back on my heels, holding my stick steady, listening to the gentle lap of water.