A Bead of Water

I shuffled into the cool shade beneath a cluster of giant hosta leaves at the edge of the path. Rested right in the green dip of a wide leaf was a fat, glistening drop of water. I paused, tilting my head to watch the midday light sparkle inside it. Reaching forward, I pressed both hands against the waxy leaf tip, bending it gently toward the ground. The water pearl shivered, broke free, and rolled smoothly down the curved rib before splashing against a dry stone below. I let out a soft murmur, blinking down at the dark, wet circle it left behind.