A Higher Vantage

Having stayed indoors all day, I stepped out through the slightly open porch door to stretch my legs in the brisk night air. Approaching the wooden balustrade, I decided to test whether I could scale one of the turned spindles. Reaching up, I gripped the smooth wood with both hands and wedged my heel into the first carved groove. Pulling upward with deliberate, steady effort, I worked my way ring by ring, keeping my balance firmly centered against the upright post. With one final hoist, I pulled myself onto the broad, flat railing cap. Standing tall above the yard, feeling the cool draft stir my hem, was wonderfully invigorating.