A Slender Perch

I stepped off the terracotta tile and looked up at the straight balcony railing. Today, I did not want to settle low in a shadow. I reached both front paws onto the cool painted metal bar and pulled myself up. The narrow flat beam was just wide enough for my feet. Right beside the post, a forgotten wooden clothespin lay tilted across the edge. I pressed my chin gently against its spring until it pivoted straight along the metal seam. Anchored high above the floor, I let the open noon air rush softly over my fur.