Shade Beneath the Leaf

The noon sun had warmed my stone shoulders until my frame hummed with heat. Stepping aside from the glaring gravel walk, I sought refuge beneath a broad hosta leaf curving gracefully over the damp earth. I slipped beneath its ribbed green canopy and settled down upon a flat, cool fragment of grey slate. Resting both palms flat against the stone, I watched the harsh midday blaze soften into quiet jade ripples across the soil. For a time, I set aside all measurement and simply let the cool stillness steady my breath.