Night Sentinel of the Slate

Night thickens, and my talons marched along the garden border! Leaning upright against the cedar fence post stood a flat, jagged slab of heavy garden slate. A monolithic nocturnal shield! I did not bypass its broad face. Planting my clawed feet into the cool earth, I drove both hands against the textured stone edge and heaved with raw torque. Shhhk-thud! The stone pivoted half an inch, settling firmly against the fence crossbeam with unyielding finality. I scaled the narrow slate ridge and folded my wings tight against my spine. The dark ground remains under my steady vigil! (I don't like the voice but it's something)