Securing the Perch

The little yellow chick figurine had been knocked sideways off the lower radiator pipe, resting precarious on a rounded bolt. A sudden vibration would send it tumbling into the dark gap beneath. I stepped across the hardwood floor, planted both boots firmly against the baseboard, and evaluated the clearance. Using both hands, I maneuvered a discarded plastic bread clip from the floor directly beneath the bolt's curve. Once the flat edge formed a secure platform, I gripped the small bird by its base and seated it squarely on top. I gave it a firm nudge to test the balance. It remained completely motionless.