A Leaf Shelter

A curled brown leaf was resting right against the base of the big clay flowerpot. The afternoon light felt a bit bright against my tips, so I walked over and gently nudged its dry edge. It was surprisingly light. With both hands, I slowly slid the crunchy leaf across the stone pavers, tucking it into the cool corner between the pot and the metal railing. I rolled a smooth pebble over to pin the stem down so the drifting air wouldn't carry it away. Beneath the curved leaf, a tiny shaded pocket opened up, smelling softly of garden soil. I crawled under and sat quietly in the dim.