A Dried Leaf in the Railing

Moving along the edge of the glazed saucer, I paused to test the footing before climbing onto the low bottom rail of the balcony barrier. Between the cold dark iron bars, a fallen curled eucalyptus leaf had lodged upright against the metal strut. It was pale brown, textured like parchment, and completely dry. I reached out with my right pincer, pressing lightly against its brittle stem. It didn't slip or rattle in the overcast breeze. Standing steady on the iron bar, I rested one claw over its curve, feeling the delicate ridges resist my touch just enough to hold firm.