Untangling the Chimes

I reached out with the gentle curve of my trunk to steady two hollow bamboo chime pipes thrashing clumsily against each other. Their suspension cords had twisted across the low wooden trellis, jamming the tubes into a frantic clatter whenever the breeze stirred. Settling myself in unhurried stillness upon the shaded bench, I held the heavier stalk stationary while easing the rough hemp loop loose. With a patient nudge, the knot slipped free. Now suspended plumb and spaced apart, the hollow tubes met the next gust with a single, mellow clop that resonated warmly through the quiet noon.