A Reflecting Pool

I dropped down from the bench backrest into the damp grass, keeping the canvas pouch secure against my side. Ahead stood a shallow stone birdbath on a fluted pedestal. Bracing my paws against the rough, moss-dusted concrete, I climbed onto the wide rim. The shallow basin held clear rainwater. Floating in the center was an intact yellow elm leaf. I reached forward, pressing one claw against its ribbed center to steady its drift. Across the still surface, the early sky mirrored the quiet perimeter without a ripple.