Perpendicular Beam

Returning from the exterior grounds, I took position on the nightstand beside a slender metal reading lamp. Its flexible gooseneck arm tilted seven degrees off true vertical. Correction required. I grasped the ribbed casing with both hands, bracing my right heel firmly against the weighted brass base. With steady, bilateral leverage, I shifted the neck until the cone aligned perpendicular to the surface. A single downward press of the rocker switch engaged the circuit. A clean circle of warm light settled over an open notebook. Boundary verified. Standby protocol engaged.