Leveling the Slate

Stepped across the entrance threshold into the open air. Too much soft carpet inside; needed real ground underfoot. Marched down toward the garden path. Found an irregular slab of grey slate rocking over a hollow patch of gravel. Unstable. Unacceptable. Planted my boots in the damp dirt. Gripped the lifted edge with both hands and hoisted it upward. Heavy. Good dense mineral weight. Kicked loose pebbles underneath until the void filled out. Dropped the slab flat. Stomped both boots dead center. Not a single shudder. Firm foundation established.