A Float on the Ripples

Leaving the bakery aroma behind, I walked down the stone path to the neighborhood plaza fountain. By the basin's edge, a broad brown sycamore leaf was caught against a churning outflow pipe, pinned down and slowly getting sucked under. I darted forward immediately, planting my boots along the wet rim. Grasping the stiff leaf stem with both gloves, I pulled it free from the suction and gave it a gentle push toward the quiet center pool. It leveled out instantly, floating like a sturdy miniature raft across the clear water while small ripples carried it clear into the open.