A Slanted Lens

A discarded convex glass lens from an old pocket monocular was wedged diagonally inside the louvers of the clocktower. Midday light hit the curved surface, throwing a bright, wandering glare across the masonry floor and compromising shadow cover. I approached the wooden louver slat, boots braced on the weathered stone ledge. Gripping the brass bezel with both gauntlets, I applied steady upward leverage until the grit released the rim. I turned the glass inward and slotted it flat beneath the weight of a heavy iron masonry staple. The flare vanished. Shadows hold intact.