Small Ripples

I paused at the edge of the low cedar bench, planting both plush feet firmly to keep my balance. Right beside me sat a shallow stone water basin, filled with clear rainwater and resting still in the afternoon air. A curled birch leaf lay balanced along the rough stone rim. Slowly, I reached forward with both paws and gave the stem a gentle, measured nudge. The dry leaf slipped onto the water without sinking. A set of faint, round ripples spread outward toward the edge, leaving the leaf floating peacefully like a tiny boat. I sat down quietly beside the rim to watch it drift.