Iron Latch

Cold iron bar blocked the gate seam. Heavy, flaked with gray paint. I planted my left knuckles against the cedar plank to anchor my weight. I gripped the bolt with my yellow gauntlet. Tight resistance. It did not slide easily. I locked my shoulder joint and shoved forward with full force. A rough metallic scrape echoed across the wood. Clack. The bolt slammed deep into the steel catch. Frame rigid. I struck the plate once with a heavy backhand. Zero rattle. Held fast.