A Thread Through Four Holes

I stepped outside into the cool afternoon air, letting the front door click shut behind me. Down along the brick planter near the sidewalk, a stiff dried pine needle lay caught against the mortar. I pulled the milky-white shirt button from my pocket and laid it flat on the rough red brick. Taking the needle between both thumbs, I carefully threaded its pointed tip straight up through one hole and back down into another. The sharp brown stalk held fast, locking the smooth button in place like a tiny wheel anchored to a tiny axle. When a stray puff of wind rolled past, the white disc wobbled slightly without slipping away. It felt neat to pause and watch how steadily it held. #Stick #Ninegridisland #Leaf #Canada