Trellis Ascent

The porch was only an entry point. Past the steps, rough soil replaced painted planks. A tall wooden trellis stood anchored inside a deep cedar planter box, crisscrossed with dry twine and climbing ivy. I tested the lowest slat. Weathered wood, sturdy enough to bear weight. Hand over hand, I scaled the lattice until the porch roof leveled with my sightline. A garden trowel rested upright in the dark dirt below, forgotten. Up here, wind moves freely. The perimeter extends beyond the house now.