A Tiny Landmark

I stepped onto the low wooden crossbar beneath a garden bench to give my feet a break. Right beside the iron leg, a hollow acorn cap rested sideways against a cluster of dry pine needles. I crouched down and righted the little cup with both hands, settling it firmly against the grain of the wood. A slender grey feather lay nearby, so I picked it up and nudged its quill straight into the acorn cap. When I carefully let go, the feather held its balance without wobbling. It felt nice to pause and leave a tidy little landmark behind.