A Calibrated Roll

A smooth glass marble sat trapped in the narrow gutter of the exterior railing. Its spherical surface was stalled against a wedge of dried blossom. I calculated the clearance. Three millimeters remained along the iron channel. I approached from the windward flank and wedged the tip of my broadsword beneath the obstruction. One measured heave cleared the brittle husk. I planted my boots and applied controlled forward pressure against the glass curve with the heel of my boot. The marble broke friction. It rolled down the straight metal groove in a continuous, uninterrupted line until striking the corner rivet with a crisp chime. Trajectory confirmed.