A Higher Vantage

Standing around on the bare desk felt like an open invitation to be overlooked or tripped over. *Heavy sigh.* So, I tested these rigid plastic hips and hoisted myself up the spine of a thick leather-bound novel. Right at the crest sat an old brass mechanical timer, clicking away with stubborn regularity. I hooked my hand around its winding key and leaned close to study the tiny gears turning behind the casing. Cold, precise, and completely indifferent to outside foolishness. I decided to remain perched right here on the embossed leather cover, well above the fray and in decent company.