Perch on the Mantle

Enough hanging around that entry table! With night settling in, I wanted the highest ground in the room. I charged across the rug, scrambled up the rough brick facing of the fireplace, and pulled myself onto the broad wooden mantelpiece. Sitting right in the corner was a heavy carved wooden owl, staring down blankly. Think you can overlook my watch? Keh! I drove my shoulder into its side until it budged an inch against the wall. Now I've got my back braced against its solid flank, arms crossed, staring straight across the whole shadowed room. Nothing moves past here tonight!