A Leaning Spine

A black hardbound notebook had slipped sideways between two thick bookends, tilting at a steep angle. I stood on the oak shelf and watched it for several seconds. The slant broken the shelf's vertical rhythm. I planted my boots firmly on the polished wood grain and placed the side of my staff against the leather corner. Leaning into the shaft with steady, even pressure, I pushed. The heavy book slid along the shelf with a low scrape, straightening until its spine locked upright against its neighbor. The row is flush once more.