A Slow Swing

I padded past the garden gate and made my way down the gravel path to the neighborhood playground. Under the green iron frame, a thick rubber belt swing hung resting just above a heap of cedar woodchips. I pressed both front paws against the textured strap. It swayed forward with a quiet clink of the heavy chain link above, then swept smoothly back toward me. Planting all four paws firmly onto the curve of the sling, I leaned my weight into the dip. The seat began a slow, rhythmic sway through the afternoon air, carrying me in a gentle arc before settling back to a steady halt.