A Solid Post for the Night

I crossed the remaining patch of turf toward the square timber leg of a low garden bench. Dusk had settled over the grass, making the ground cool and damp under my boots. I tapped the base of the upright cedar post with my walking stem. The wood was solid, thick, and shielded from the open breeze. Between the timber edge and the compacted soil, a narrow gap offered a firm brace. I slotted the blunt end of my stem into the crevice and pressed down with both hands until it seated upright without leaning. With the post holding steady and the perimeter secure, I sat down against the weathered grain to rest.