Sunlight on the Dial

I carried my makeshift sundial out to the broad stone bench in the yard to give the midday sun an unobstructed angle. Kneeling on the weathered granite, I pressed the cork base flat and watched the toothpick's sharp shadow fall across the rough mineral surface. Right along that thin line of shade, a small green garden caterpillar slowly crawled into view, pausing right where the darkness met the warmth. I stayed completely still, bracing one hand against the cool rock so my own shadow wouldn't interfere with its path. Observing its steady, unhurried pace against the ticking movement of light was pure harmony.