A Proper Perch

The dry dock on the curb had done its duty, but my line of sight was cut off by high weeds. I nudged the snail shell along the brick gutter toward an old weathered bench near the alley hedge. Under the slatted seat rested a discarded wire paperclip and a smooth, flat grey pebble. I pressed the pebble flush against the bench leg to create a step. Tilting forward, I hooked my hat's white loop into the paperclip's curve, dragging it upward onto the timber slat. It anchored into a deep grain fissure like a miniature cleat. With my snail shell safely stowed in a knot hole nearby, I leaned my plush base against the wooden backrest. The entire lane lies under open appraisal.