Stepping Across the Threshold

I slipped beneath the weather stripping of the front door to finally inspect the outdoor perimeter myself. The porch floor was wide and exposed, with morning breeze catching my vest. Right in front of the steps, a heavy pair of canvas sneakers sat askew across the coir doormat. It blocked the direct route down to the walkway. I planted my boots firmly into the prickly fibers of the mat, wrapped both arms around the rubber toe of the left sneaker, and heaved. It shifted just a couple of inches, lining up square against the siding. Now the path out front is clear and orderly.