A Drum on the Boot

I followed the quiet rhythm of the afternoon down the hall toward the front door. Beneath the lowest slatted tier of the shoe rack sat a pair of sturdy leather boots with shiny brass lace eyelets. Tucked near the heel was a discarded wooden clothespin. Taking hold of the smooth wooden pin between my paws, I gently tapped its flat edge against the firm leather tongue. It produced a muffled, satisfying thud, followed by a bright metal ping when I grazed an eyelet. I sat back on the cool floorboard and tapped out an easy, measured tempo.