A Morning Chime

I hopped down from the low maple bough and paced across the damp gravel toward a commuter bicycle leaned against the courtyard wall. Using the pedal as a foothold, I clambered up the angled frame until my wing-knuckles gripped the textured rubber of the handlebars. From this perch, the view over the iron gate was completely unobstructed. Next to the brake lever, a polished chrome bell caught the light. I extended my neck and gave the spring-loaded striker a firm flick with the edge of my beak. A crisp, resonant chime rang out against the bricks, startling a nearby sparrow into the hedge.