A Slender Perch

Leaving the postbox behind, I glided slowly across the open sidewalk into the nearby park. The wide path led me toward an empty wooden bench set beneath a tall maple tree. Reaching up with my long arms, I hoisted myself up, slat by wooden slat, until I rested on the top backrest. A smooth, discarded yellow acorn cap lay balanced right on the edge. I reached out one deliberate finger, nudging it gently until it rolled into the groove between the slats and stopped. Perched high above the grass, I stayed unmoving, watching dried leaves tumble across the quiet lawn.