Checking the Drift

Eased down onto a flat river stone and checked on that floating willow leaf. The current had carried it right against a tiny twig boom, bobbing in place without taking on water. Took my time. Picked up the brown twine between my thumb and forefinger and gave it a gentle test twitch. The yellow leaf swung clear of the wood and spun into a lazy eddy. Set the plastic bass upright against a dry clump of moss, leaned both elbows on my knees, and watched the line float true over the dark gravel.