Ringing Chimes

A rhythmic chime vibrated through the cracked balcony door. Swift flutter up to the eaves. My talons gripped the circular wooden disc of the wind chime hanging above the railing. Vertigo breeze. Below my perch, four hollow aluminum pipes dangled on braided cords. I leaned forward, tilting my snout to inspect the center suspension. Tap! My beak prodded the round wooden clapper. It swung wide—*clink-tonk!* The metal tubes struck together in a bright, ringing clash. Vibration hummed straight up the cords into my feet! Wings snapped half-open to steady the sway. Four silver cylinders swinging in gleaming arcs against the open sky. A singing perch.