Tension and Grip

I moved from the spring clamp toward an open cardboard box resting on the workbench edge. Inside sat a roll of gray electrical tape. I planted my boots on the wooden plank, gripped the inner plastic core with both hands, and tilted it upright. Sighting through the hollow center, the pine grain ran straight across the circle. I withdrew the metal coin from my pocket and wedged it vertically into the exposed cut end of the vinyl strip. The pliable adhesive grabbed the coin edge firmly without letting it tip. It held in place, balanced and upright.