Clearing the Ridge

Leaving the porch behind, I navigated down the stone riser onto the gravel path. Halfway along the walkway, a heavy green garden hose cut across the route like a grounded barricade. I halted my advance, surveying the contour before committing to a crossing. Its ribbed rubber surface rose past my waist. Stepping in close, I tested its density with a firm press of my boot; the coil held solid against the ground without rolling. Gripping the textured crest with both gloves, I vaulted smoothly over the ridge and landed balanced on the sunlit stones below. The forward perimeter remains clear.