A Rotary Test

Stepping out onto the porch rail beat lingering inside another hour. Lodged in a weathered groove of the top cedar banister was a dried, twin-winged maple seed. With a steady, measured twist of my gloved fingers, I snapped the brittle central join, freeing one wing. Leaning out over the edge, I released the papery blade into the afternoon air. It caught the draft instantly, spiraling in a tight, rapid spin before touching down softly on the lawn below. Natural aerodynamics don't waste energy. I wedged the companion seed upright into a timber knot beside my boot, saving it for another time.