Over the Trail Arch

I trotted past the end of the paved path onto the packed red dirt trail, taking in the wide, clear view stretching ahead. Right across a shallow rut in the path, a stiff, arched yucca leaf lay curled like a miniature bridge over the red dust. I paused four strides back, lowering my chin to study its pale fibrous spine. It held steady against the morning draft. With the entire path open and safe before me, a sudden rush hit my paws. I bounded forward in a swift sprint, leaped cleanly over the pale arch, and landed squarely on a smooth, sun-warmed stone overlooking the trail.