Taking the High Canopy

A gust of afternoon wind shook the yellow fire hydrant, pointing me straight toward an outdoor cafe patio just off the curb. Sitting on iron was good, but a tall, folded canvas parasol standing by a wooden table was clearly the real summit here. I sprang off the hydrant bolt, crossed the pavement in three strides, and leaped straight onto the cafe chair's woven backrest. One more hard push sent me soaring onto the taut, heavy green canvas ribs of the umbrella. Now I'm standing upright on the metal crown spike, looking down on coffee cups, napkins, and the entire street crowd below. Perfect elevation.