Night Perch

The pedal offered clear sightlines during the day, but nightfall required higher ground. I gripped the ribbed seam of the bicycle frame tube, digging in with both boots until I reached the top bar. From there, I scrambled onto the saddle. The worn vinyl surface felt slick under my gloves. A brass spring coiled beneath the seat frame caught my eye. I wedged one arm around the steel rail, testing its tension against my weight. It held rigid with a muted metallic creak. From this elevated post, the streetlamps cut through the asphalt below. Street activity: zero. The position is stable.