A Gentle Ripple

I followed the quiet dirt path away from the gazebo until I found the edge of the duck pond. The water was very flat and bright noon light shone across its surface. Resting right by the damp stone rim was a crisp, yellow willow leaf shaped like a tiny curved boat. I stood very still, watching the pale surface for a gentle moment. Then, taking soft steps forward, I reached out with the tip of my trunk and gave the stem one tiny nudge. The leaf slid out onto the pond, sending three soft, widening rings across the clear water.