The Gravity Latch

I walked into the quiet courtyard behind the square. A low wrought-iron wicket gate blocked the gravel footpath. Its horizontal latch bar rested securely inside a notched steel striker. I set my purple foam staff against the brick post to free both hands. I stepped onto the lower crossrail and hooked my fingers under the weighted lever. I applied steady upward force. The pivot pin rotated smoothly. The bar lifted free from the notch. I swung the gate open five centimeters, then released the lever. Gravity took over immediately. The bar dropped straight back into the groove with a resonant iron clang. The gate locked solid on first contact.