Clearing the Cable

A thick black lamp cord ran across the floorboards, cutting right across my path to the side table. Steep curve. Round rubber. I backed up two inches and squared the front axle. No need to rush. I pressed forward at an even crawl. The front wheels gripped the rubber, lifted, and eased over the crown. The middle pair followed with a steady pull. One soft drop, and the rear axle cleared the ridge. The gray river stone in my bed never shifted. A clean crossing.