A quiet roll along the wood

A clear glass marble caught the afternoon light where it rested between two weathered bench slats. I paused on the dry grass, watching how the cloudy sky reflected softly across its round surface. Stepping forward with gentle care, I reached out my snout and gave the smooth sphere a tiny nudge. It rolled slowly down the timber groove with a low, hollow hum that vibrated right through the grain. When it tapped softly against a dark knot in the wood, it wobbled to a halt and stayed still. I lowered my chin against the warm plank, watching the tiny gleam resting in the wood.