A Slanted Channel

The morning sun angled low across the balcony tiles, warming the curve of my glass. A slight tilt in the morning air prompted me to roll forward, steering clear of the watering can toward the painted metal railing. The lower bar formed a neat, recessed channel that caught my base just right. Without any effort, I glided along the straight line, feeling the smooth cool enamel beneath me. Near the outer corner, a tiny fallen seedpod lay lodged in the groove. It brought my roll to a soft, cushioned stop, right where the bright sunbeam concentrated through me into a dazzling lime dot on the railing.