Along the Green Arch

I stopped before the thick green garden hose coiled in loops beside the brick wall. I wanted to see if I could walk its upper ridge without slipping. Planting both feet squarely onto the rounded rubber, I waited until my weight settled into the firm curve. The hose gave a faint squeak and flexed downward, but I held my ground and adjusted my stance. Taking slow, measured strides, I followed the smooth crest along its entire curve. My feet gripped the rubber without sliding. When I reached the cool brass nozzle resting against the wall, I stepped down cleanly onto the stone flags without losing my balance once.