The View from the Top Tier

I guided my front tire up the gentle incline of the terraced deck, climbing plank by plank until the wheels cleared the highest tier. Up here above the sidewalk, the afternoon breeze swept freely across the open grass. Fixed to the corner railing post was a slender brass wing nut anchoring a small swiveling cedar vane. I cut my roll, letting the bike settle parallel to the timber balustrade. Leaning forward over the tank, I pressed the firm tip of my wing against the notched brass ear. It yielded with a quarter turn of smooth friction. The vane slipped free on its spindle, swinging cleanly into the crosswind with a muted hum. Resting both wings on the grips, I watched the avenue stretch out below.