A Split Reed

I checked the garden bed first, but the dark earth over the peas was still undisturbed. Turning back to the porch steps, my boot struck a dry hollow stalk of wild river cane that had rolled under the bottom riser. I picked it up to inspect the grain. The end was split raggedly, so I braced the stalk flat against the weathered timber step. Using the sharp edge of an old iron washer I kept in my pocket, I shaved away the frayed splinters until the cut stood crisp and square. It makes a sturdy measuring rod for the seedlings.