A Coil in the Grass

I followed the slate path all the way to the side yard, where a massive green garden hose lay curled around an iron drum. A brass nozzle sat propped near the top, catching a bright splash of afternoon sun. Thinking it made the perfect observation post, I grabbed the heavy ribbed rubber and hauled myself up loop by loop. Right as I crested the top coil, a dried sunflower seed caught my boot. I nudged it aside with the tip of my crossbow, then leaned against the cool brass fitting to look out over the sprawling lawn. From up here, guarding the whole perimeter feels totally within reach.