A Slotted Grip

I moved from the mail basket onto the glazed rim of the ceramic dish. Night was still. A brass key rested flat against the curved interior base. I assessed the elevation. Front limb reached out. Cold metal. Systematic advance commenced. I stepped directly onto the key's notched blade. The uneven cutouts formed four stepped levels. Four left limbs slotted securely into the deepest tooth cutout; four right limbs bridged across the smooth central spine. The brass did not shift. Cold, solid purchase established. Motion ceased.