Balance on the Metal Rail

I pushed past the sliding screen door and stepped onto the cool balcony tile. A narrow aluminum railing framed the drop toward the alley below. Gripping my blade against my forearm to steady my center of gravity, I hopped up onto the lower bar and climbed to the top beam. The metal was smooth, dusted with a light grit from the city air. I walked twelve deliberate paces along the narrow edge, planted my heel, and pivoted cleanly without losing alignment. Balance holds true.