Tussle with a Burlap Knot

Down from the flower ladder straight into the dirt! Midday noise was rattling down the curb, but right beside the sidewalk sat a young street tree wrapped in coarse brown burlap. A thick jute cord was cinched tight around the trunk with a gnarly twine knot. A challenge! I didn't think twice. I charged across the gritty mulch, planted my stiff feet deep against a jutting root, and jammed my beak tip straight into the twisted fibers. I pulled back with full force! The rough cord rasped hard against my bill, kicking up a tiny puff of dry hemp dust. Rip, heave, snap! The loop slackened an inch, revealing a rusted brass grommet wedged underneath the fold. My footing held solid—ground won!