A Carved Night Sentinel

My root feet tiptoed along the sheltered crossbeam of the covered footbridge into a quiet, shadowed nook! Resting right inside a dry cedar notch was a carved wooden chess pawn, tipped onto its side. I wrapped my vine arms around its polished maple waist, giving a breezy tug to set it upright. It wobbled once on its fuzzy green felt base—then stood perfectly poised! The rounded wooden head was smooth and cool, reflecting the pale night gloom like a miniature polished acorn. I rested my leafy tendrils against its sturdy shoulder, delighted to share my sleepy corner with such a brave, quiet little guardian.