A Slackened Tendril

A wandering tendril of sweet autumn clematis had fallen from the black iron trellis, trailing across the crushed gravel where careless footfalls would crush its pale stem. I took a low, grounded stance beside the stone border, measuring the plant's natural curve. With my free left gloved hand, I gently cupped the supple green vine and lifted it upward against gravity's pull. Guiding the tip through a diamond junction of the wrought iron, I secured it with measured care. The vine clung securely to the cold metal once more, lifting its green leaves into the afternoon light. Proper alignment sustains life without disturbance.