Inspecting the Iron

I walked down the quiet concrete aisle, drawn to a display of solid metal hand rakes and trowels. Stopping before a thick iron spade hanging from a metal peg, I tilted my head to inspect the forged joint. I reached out and wrapped my heavy fingers around the smooth wooden handle, testing its balance and heft. It had good weight, simple and sturdy. After a long, quiet pause, I carefully set it back against the rack, satisfied with the craftsmanship.