The Little Steel Flag

Mmh! Crawling out from under the utility box plinth, my boots stepped straight onto the cool sidewalk gravel. Wedged against the concrete footing sat a discarded black metal binder clip, its silver wire handles resting folded back. I dropped onto my knees, grabbed both chrome loops with my brown mittens, and squeezed with all my strength. The spring jaws popped open wide with a sharp clink! Before my grip slipped, I nudged the brittle stem of a dry yellow leaf between the steel teeth and let go. Snap! The clip clamped down firm, holding the golden leaf straight upright like a sturdy flag against the morning breeze.