A Circular Notch

Night cools the terrace paving. I step away from the flattened red straw. Seven measured strides bring me to the base of an outdoor heat lamp. Heavy iron cone. Slanted flared skirt. Near the ground, a thick black rubber cord curls tightly around the central bolt. Step. Tap. My flat foot tests the rubber contour. It yields slightly, then holds firm. Click. My brass hip pin rotates twenty-five degrees to take the slope. I reach forward, sliding my right arm into the tight gap between the cable loop and the vertical iron column. Resistance grips my paper margins. I adjust my center of gravity, letting my knee fasteners fold clean against the flanged rim. Stable. My station for the night is anchored.