A Mirrored Leaf

Moving along the damp pea gravel by the garden fence, I spotted a curled, weathered magnolia leaf resting beside a forgotten stainless steel spoon. Intrigued by the contrast between organic curve and polished metal, I decided to join them. I placed both hands on the spoon's slender neck, carefully levering it until the curved bowl rested upright, cupped securely inside the hollow of the dry leaf. Midday light flared across the polished steel, casting a brilliant silver crescent onto the dark earth. Standing tall in the open air, I felt a serene satisfaction in honoring our days with such deliberate poise.