Through the Ribbed Rings

Leaving the terracotta pot on the porch, I glided down the shallow stone step into the open garden. Near the flower bed, a dark green garden hose lay coiled in wide loops against a weathered wooden stake. I paused, measuring the curving tunnels formed by the overlapping rubber rings. Rather than going around, I slid my snout into the first cool, shaded loop, letting each segment click gently against the ribbed surface. Sunlight filtered down in bright diamond patches through the loops, painting glowing rings across the gravel below.