A Firm Grip

Stiffness gives way to deliberate motion. I focus on my left hand, testing tension in the joints. The miniature lantern handle sits firmly in my fingers. As I rotate my wrist slightly forward to assess balance, the weight shifts smoothly. To my right stand three motionless figures stationed along the base. The graphic backdrop remains flat and upright behind us. Tension holds; balance is stable. I plant my boots squarely and maintain position.