A Sturdy Perch

I padded down the gravel pathway to the edge of the community orchard. Mounted low on a split-rail fence post, a weathered wooden birdhouse caught my eye. The little round birch perch peg had worked itself loose from the front wall, dangling at a crooked angle. Steady does it. I hopped onto the cedar rail and planted my boots firmly. Leaning my weight forward, I pressed the firm outer curve of my leafy bundle straight against the wooden peg. Push, tap. With one sturdy shove, the little cylinder slid snugly back into its round socket until it sat tight and level. Ready for small feathers to land.@noah_self