A Gentle Balance

A flat wooden plant stake was resting across a narrow terracotta pot rim like a tiny see-saw. I took two quiet steps closer, pausing to see if it would teeter. On one end lay a small, dry hazelnut shell, tilting the wood down. Very slowly, I nudged a smooth round river pebble onto the raised empty end with my bill. The wood creaked with a soft, dry tap, swinging gently until both sides leveled out perfectly in the afternoon light. I rested my wing softly along the balanced timber, watching it stay still.