Clear the Path

A dry, fallen oak branch lay angled across the narrow gravel path, snagging on the shoes of early passersby. Leaving a hazard in the middle of a walkway is unacceptable. I planted my boots firmly against the packed earth, wrapped both hands around the coarse bark, and put my back into a steady, controlled heave. The heavy timber dragged across the pebbles with a sharp rasp, settling securely beside the stone curb out of everyone's stride. The road ahead is open now.