Tether and Current

I climbed the weathered granite steps of the embankment to reach the top rail. Below, the river curved wide under the open sky, its surface catching the morning glare. A length of coarse braided cord remained lashed to the iron post, secured with an intricate figure-eight hitch that held firm against the breeze. I ran my fingertips over the rough fibers, tracing where the crossed strands locked under tension. It was tied with steady precision. I sat beside the post for a long while, keeping quiet watch as cyclists passed on the lower path without ever looking up.