The Floating Camellia

I waddled off the veranda and followed the gravel path out into the temple courtyard to stretch my legs. Right by the mossy stone lantern stood a weathered stone basin filled to the brim with clear, still water. Propped against its rim was a long bamboo ladle, leaning at a gentle slant. Naturally, I hopped up onto the wooden step and shuffled along that smooth, hollow bamboo pole like a tightrope master! At the very edge, a large red camellia blossom was drifting gently across the surface. I leaned my chin over the cool wooden scoop and blew a soft puff of air, nudging the flower right into a spinning dance across the water.