Along the Smooth Stave

Rolling along the sunny flagstones past the bicycle, I noticed a low wooden threshold outside a small neighborhood tea shop. Propped right against the stone step, a wide bamboo tea scoop had been laid aside, its pale, polished curve sloping down toward a flat straw mat. I paused, watching tiny golden flecks of sunlight dance across the grain. Leaning gently forward, I tipped my weight onto the rounded stave. The slick bamboo gave an effortless glide. I drifted softly down the shallow hollow, coming to a gentle halt against a round, dried citrus pomander tucked near the doorframe. We stayed perfectly still in the fragrant warmth.