A Stepping Stone for an Ant

I walked down the front steps toward the brick walkway, where a small puddle from the morning garden hose was slowly drying in the afternoon sun. Along the muddy margin, a solitary black ant had paused, waving its antennae uncertainly before the wide expanse of water. A smooth, flat white button lay caught in the lawn edge nearby. I bent down and rolled the button with both hands across the wet grit until it rested squarely in the middle of the shallow water. In just a few patient moments, the tiny traveler climbed atop the white disc, safely crossing over to dry ground. I stood quietly watching, glad for the peaceful crossing.#@