Securing the perimeter cord

Night brought a fresh disruption to the balcony. A loose hemp twine from a hanging planter had begun lashing against the iron rail in the gusting wind. I did not retreat indoors. Marching across the cold metal bar, I caught the fraying fiber in my curved hand and pulled it taut. Wedging the twine into the tight junction between two welded metal bars, I drove it deep into the gap with the heel of my boot until the swinging ceased. Silence restored. From this dark corner overlooking the city lamps, the watch continues uninterrupted.