A Solid Stand

I drove my shoulder straight into a heavy discarded tin can blocking the path. It gave a hollow clatter and rolled into the drain seam. Ahead lay a wide concrete rim circling an outdoor fountain basin. The noon glare bounced hard off the rippling water. I climbed the sloped concrete ledge, claws digging into coarse aggregate until my footing locked. A flat shard of pale blue decorative tile sat dry on the edge, catching the bright splash of light. I planted four feet squarely over it, head lowered, holding the high ledge.