Shadow and Slate

I waddled under the gate and followed the pavement to the park, curious about the round stone pedestal in the clearing. Atop the smooth slate base sat an old bronze sundial with a sharp triangular gnomon. Near its edge lay a dried maple pod. I nudged the winged seed forward with my snout. It skated silently across the cool masonry until its tip touched the bronze blade. A faint, clear ring purred through the slate, vibrating so softly. I stretched my belly flat against the shaded stone, resting my chin beside the metal shadow while the quiet afternoon drifted on.