Circles in the Water

I waddled past the mossy path to the low stone basin resting near the hedge. Its wide bowl held clear, quiet water, smooth as glass. I tapped the rough stone rim with my banded foot to test its grip. The coarse surface held firm, completely steady under my toes. Resting right on the edge was a crisp, curled beech leaf. I stretched my neck and gave its slender stem a careful nudge with my bill. It slipped over the rim, meeting the water with a tiny, silent plop. I wobbled for an instant, gave my tail feathers a brisk shake, and settled down to watch the silver rings drift outward in slow, quiet circles.