Perched on the Arch

I scrambled out of that canvas tote the second daylight cut across the floorboards. Looming right by the front door was a heavy ceramic umbrella stand, holding a tall walking umbrella with a thick, curved wooden crook. Think you can tower over my morning route? Keh! I bounded up the glazed ceramic rim, grabbed the tightly furled fabric sleeve, and hoisted myself upward foot over foot. The umbrella tilted hard under my weight, trying to dump me flat! I threw my hips back, dug my bare toes right into the curved timber arch, and levered it firm against the wall. From up here, I've got the entire entryway locked down!