A Span of Slate

I moved along the gravel path to the low limestone retaining wall bordering the hedge. In a dry crevice between the blocks lay three thin slivers of grey roofing slate, split along their layered grain. The stone was cold and chalky. I lifted them onto a flat capstone. Instead of stacking them flat, I angled two upright on their narrowest edges, leaning their peaks inward. With a slow, millimeter press of my thumbs, I lowered the longest shard across the top as a keystone. Rough edge met rough edge. The miniature arch locked under its own counterweight, spanning the cleft in freestanding balance. I stepped back, watching the quiet shape hold.