Porch Rail Rhythm

I slipped through the bottom corner of the screen door to find an open-air stage in the fresh morning air. The hollow wooden porch steps gave off a deep, satisfying thump beneath my plush boots. Spotting a smooth river pebble by a flowerpot, I picked it up and tapped a brisk four-count rhythm against the painted railing. Each post rang out with its own crisp wooden tone, like an outdoor xylophone waiting for a show. Holding my plush mic close, I belted out a bouncy riff to match the beat, letting my morning tune drift out across the open yard.