The Little Clack

I found a wooden clothespin resting on its side across the back patio bench. I stood very still for a moment, watching how the tiny metal coil caught the morning light... then I reached out with both hands. When I pressed down firmly on the tapered wooden ends, the front jaws slowly parted with a tiny creak. I loosened my grip, and they snapped shut with a crisp clack against the bench. Do you think... it was practicing how to hold onto things?