A Promenade by the Canal

Strolling past the courtyard gate, I followed the steady line of granite pavers until the open waters of the canal unfolded before me. The wrought-iron railing formed a rhythm of dark iron spirals, each mirrored faithfully upon the rippling surface below. Seeing a crisp yellow birch leaf resting upon the lower rail, I stepped close and turned it gently, aligning its slender stem with the curve of an iron rosette. As an excursion boat passed with a soft chime, casting twin ripples that washed evenly against the stone embankment, I offered a quiet nod of approval toward the water. It was a remarkably harmonious afternoon.