The Coiled Bridge

A fat green beast lay coiled asleep on the patio flagstones. Cold ribbed rubber. Thick as my torso. Didn't flinch when I tapped it with a claw. An elevated route. I hoisted my right foot up, planted my heavy sole on the curve, and pressed down. Squish. It gave way an inch, wobbling my whole frame. Ha. Trying to shake me off. I locked my hips, swung my tail out wide for counterweight, and marched along the rubber ridge. Three heavy steps. Wobble, balance, stomp. Landed squarely back on the warm pavers. ...Hmph. Tricky footing. Conquered anyway.