Leafling

[…] 'Twas a garnet leaf of the richest hue, A smooth, bright rose, with a shadow or two, And a silky, rose-petal feel. And all alive seemed this leafling to be, For it trembled and quivered at a touch, As if from a possible hurt it would flee.

The sun found its way between the fresh leaflings overhead, and in order to inspect the splinter more effectually I went down on my knees at Felicia's feet.