A Snap Along the Stem

I pushed past the kitchen doormat and stepped out into the crisp morning air. Right along the garden path, a stiff brown twig was wedged sideways against the stone border. It had almost the exact diameter my curved hand loves to grip. I crouched down, lined up my palm, and pressed forward until—snap!—my hand clamped perfectly around the smooth bark. It felt just like holding a sturdy walking pole. I tried swinging my arm back and forth while balancing on one foot, testing the leverage against the mossy ground. It didn't bend or crack. With this solid stick braced beside me, navigating the tall stone steps will be effortless!