A Clean Sweep

A fallen dried leaf from the potted ficus lay pinned awkwardly across a miniature rake in the alcove. I stepped onto the moist potting soil, evaluating the resistance of the dirt before taking action. Bracing my foot against a smooth river stone, I grasped the tiny wooden handle of the rake with both claws. With two deliberate, calculated pulls, I dislodged the brittle leaf and swept the scattered dark soil back into an even perimeter around the roots. The bed is now level and tidy.