The Frost Glider

I marched straight out past the open gate and trotted down the sidewalk to the neighborhood park! Right on the center slat of a green wooden bench, a shiny silver metal washer was resting in a dusting of morning frost. Total invitation! I scrambled up the curly cast-iron bench leg, hooking my sneakers into the metal swirls. Once perched on the broad wood plank, I knelt low and gave the chilly metal ring a gentle poke with my plush thumb. Zzzip! It skated across the wood, carving a neat, dark trail right through the frost crystals. I scooped it up with both hands—wonderfully cool and solid. A brand-new metallic donut for my collection!