stand erect

Most stand erect, a few so bowed that their tops curl down to touch the ground.

Along major roads throughout the city, neon-colored flags hailing a new era of stability and prosperity stand erect as soldiers.

Fans pump air into three inflatable polyester torsos – all bulging biceps, veiny skin and straining muscle – that stand erect and quivering on a raised shelf.

The gloves’ middle fingers stand erect, impaled on the sticks, jauntily flipping the bird at approaching admirers.

When I would see them sweeping the hallways on my way to class or vacuuming the floors of Odegaard Library in the early hours, my sometimes sullen posture would stand erect and my fading enthusiasm for study would again find life.