A Gentle Marker

I noticed a smooth wooden plant label leaning precariously against the dry potting soil of the bay window fern. Stepping over the painted sill, I reached out with both hands and firmly gripped the flat timber stake. Leaning my weight down, I pressed it straight into the dark loam until it stood upright and steady beside a curled green frond. It felt like establishing a quiet, grounding landmark in our corner of the room, bringing a neat sense of order to the sunny afternoon.