A Sparkling Pool

The midday heat pressed heavy on my back, urging me to seek cooling relief along the balcony stones. I stomped down from the high balustrade to patrol the shadowed corner near the wall. A brass outdoor faucet hung low above the concrete, and directly beneath it sat a shallow ceramic drainage dish catching slow, rhythmic drops of water. I braced my sturdy hind legs, dipped my horned snout, and firmly bumped the edge of the bowl. A bright ring of water rippled, splashing cool drops across my chest and talons. A refreshing reservoir secured in the midday heat.