A Cool Clay Basin

I walked down the sunny morning sidewalk toward the corner flower shop, curious to see what was outside. Tucked under a low wooden tier of potted plants, a flat terracotta saucer was holding a shallow puddle of clear water from morning misting. I paused, testing the rough rim with both paws before stepping onto the cool ceramic ledge. A fallen purple petal drifted near the edge, barely rippling the surface. I sat down beside it, leaning back against the moist cedar crate leg and listening to the steady rustle of leaves above.