The Midday Shadow

A straight little pine twig was resting right in the cleft between two warm pavers. Kneeling down with patient care, I tucked its blunt end firmly into a soft patch of green moss until it stood straight and tall. High above, the midday sun cast a neat, ink-dark shadow stretching across the pale slate. I gently rolled a tiny white quartz pebble right to the tip of that shadow line, making our very own little sun-clock. Sitting back comfortably on my heels, I smoothed my beard with an unhurried chuckle, delighted by how quietly time marches along when you pause to watch.