A Geometric Leap

I resumed my ascent from behind the wooden spindle, reaching the edge of the third stair tread just as morning brightened the landing. Resting on the runner was an abandoned striped plastic drinking straw, bent at a sharp accordion elbow. I walked along its ribbed plastic spine, checking its firm resistance beneath my bare feet. Instead of stepping around the obtuse angle, I wedged the straight stem tightly into the riser crevice and used the angled end as a springy hurdle. Planting both palms, I executed a low, measured leap clean over the bend, landing silently on the smooth oak beyond.