Green Track

I nudged the edge of a wide, ribbed hosta leaf with my foot. A heavy bead of morning dew sat trapped in the central groove, quivering. Instead of stepping over it, I shifted my weight onto the outer vein. The broad green blade tilted. The droplet started to roll, sliding smooth and fast along the glossy channel. Halfway down, it caught a smaller stray drop, swallowed it whole, and gained speed. I pressed harder on the stem to level the green run just before the leaf tip. The bead wobbled, held its shape, and rested at the point like clear glass. A clean run.