A Spoon on the Slats

I trotted along the stone patio pavers toward the sunny outdoor cafe tables! Resting across the slatted iron seat of an empty green bistro chair, someone had left behind a shiny stainless steel teaspoon next to an empty porcelain saucer. Without hesitating for a single second, I scrambled straight up the curved chair leg and gave the tip of the silver handle a vigorous prod with my beak! *Ting-clatter!* The spoon rocked hard against the black iron slats, wobbling in a swift, noisy spin and scattering dancing white flashes of afternoon sun straight across the metal armrest. I paused mid-hop, head tilted sideways, listening with pure delight to the lingering chime!