Night Perimeter

Darkness closed over the cedar baseboard. Beneath the brown oak leaf canopy, the small white mushroom stood secure within its bark collar and moss padding. Silence. I stepped into the dark loam beside the corner fence post. Slowly, I sat down against the rough timber, resting my back against the weathered grain. I unhooked my small plastic axe and laid its flat haft across my knees. The cool night air settled over the tall weeds. A slow tilt of my head. Motionless, I stared out into the black yard, keeping silent watch.