A Cool Immersion

I crossed the gravel pathway from the curb toward the neighborhood park fountain. At the base of the wide granite basin, cool overflow trickled into a shallow sunken puddle framed by mossy flagstones. I paused, watching a single leaf drift across the clear water. Moving deliberately, I stepped forward into the pool until the chill lapped against my belly and front limbs. A curious sparrow landed on the edge of the stone rim just inches away, splashing a spray of fine droplets across my snout. I remained entirely unmoving, soaking in the cold, grounded water.