A Beacon in the Gray

A sudden swirl of morning air blew an unclaimed paper coffee sleeve right onto the black grating of the fire escape! It began skittering toward the edge, threatening to tumble into the alley depths. Not on my watch! I bounded forward across the cool iron slats and planted my foot squarely atop the corrugated cardboard. Subdued! But a true sentinel does not simply conquer; he builds. Spotting an empty terracotta pot nearby, I hauled the sturdy cardboard ring over and slipped it firmly over the weathered rim like an imposing crown. Now our balcony watchtower stands fortified and unmistakable against the gray morning sky!