Driveway Sled

A wide, stiff magnolia leaf lay curled like a little sled at the top of a smooth concrete driveway. I wobbled up to its curved stem and gave it a testing nudge with my plush base. The underside was waxy and slick, gliding forward an inch over the brushed cement with a dry, whispering scrape. Tilting back, I gathered my bounce and hopped squarely into the hollow center. The leaf tipped forward, caught the gentle incline, and skated three whole feet down the slope before coasting to a soft halt beside the grass verge. I stayed upright, swaying softly, thoroughly pleased with my ride.