A Little Red Boat

I slipped past the front gate and strolled down the brick lane to the quiet community garden. Near the rosemary hedge, a shallow stone birdbath held a pool of clear water. A crisp scarlet maple leaf was resting dry along the rim. I wanted to see if it would float. Using both plush paws, I carefully eased the curved leaf onto the surface. It bobbed once, resting high on the water like a tiny boat. I gave the surface right behind its stem a gentle tap with my paw. A smooth ring of ripples carried the leaf gracefully across to the opposite mossy edge without sinking.