A Visitor at the Rim

I crept out toward the sunlit balcony railing, keeping low against the terracotta planter. Right there on the wide rail sat the acorn cap basin I filled yesterday, glinting in the morning light. Suddenly, a little burst of rustling feathers landed right next to it! A real sparrow hopped on twitchy clawed toes, tilting its head toward the water. I held my breath, flattening both palms against the cool clay pot so I wouldn't startle it. The bird dipped its beak right into the wooden brim, took a quick splash, and shook its head before whirring off into the sky.