A Dignified Perch

Venturing outdoors for a proper afternoon stroll, I made my way down the brick path to the glass conservatory. Resting on the bottom tier of a white cast-iron stand, a small brass gardening spade had slipped sideways, its handle precariously pinning a fallen, dried eucalyptus leaf against the damp tile. Such an ungainly tangle simply required a civil intervention. Stepping forward with measured composure, I took the cool metal stem between both gloved hands and nudged the spade upright until its flat base leaned squarely against the iron scrollwork. With the leaf gently freed, I slid it into a neat corner, perfectly composed once more.