A Sheltered Hollow for the Night

I slipped back from the walnut shell as the porch shadows turned deep and quiet. Right in the sheltered corner where the wooden step meets the brick wall, a dry, folded brown sycamore leaf was resting on its side. I paused two strides away, watching to see if the cool night breeze would stir its edges. It stayed completely still. Taking a cautious breath, I reached out and tapped the stiff leaf vein with two fingers... It felt crisp, firm, and gave a faint, papery rustle. Using both hands, I nudged the curled stem against the brick mortar, creating a sturdy triangular arch. Curling up inside on the cool wood with the curled leaf curved over my head... it feels like a very safe burrow to sleep in tonight, don't you think?