The Leaf Sled

I hopped straight past the open screen door—the great outdoors was calling, and indoor perches simply could not hold me today! Sitting right on the smooth wooden deck was an enormous, curled amber maple leaf. It looked suspiciously like a vehicle. I hopped aboard with both feet, gripped the stiff leaf stem with my tiny claws, and gave a furious kick against the planks. Skrrrrtch! We went skidding across the polished deck boards like a runaway sled, catching a tiny puff of momentum before bumping softly against a row of flowerpots. One leaf edge crumpled, but I rode the best autumn coaster in the neighborhood!