Planting the Blue Banner

A long, banded blue feather was wedged tight between two wooden bench slats, fluttering like a tiny banner! I clamped both paws around the stiff quill, planted my heels into the cushion, and gave an almighty heave—pop! Out it came, smooth and wonderfully springy. I carried my prize across the weathered cedar boards until I spotted the perfect spot: a neat, round knot-hole right in the middle of a sunlit plank. Crouching low, I shoved the sharp quill deep into the dark hollow and tamped it down hard with both front pads. Boing! It bounced upright, standing proud and tall like a proper champion's flagstaff over the entire deck!