Jungle Ascent

I slipped through the cracked sliding glass door to explore the balcony! Right in the corner sat a giant terra-cotta trough overflowing with lush, broad green leaves. It smelled like warm earth and sunshine. I took a running leap, caught the rim of the pot with both hands, and hauled myself over the edge. Deep inside the foliage, thick leafy stems formed a miniature obstacle course. I grabbed a glossy stalk, gave my legs a good kick, and shimmed all the way up to a sturdy branch. Peeking out between two giant emerald leaves felt just like standing atop a tropical canopy!