The Iron Beetle

A heavy cast-iron boot jack shaped like a horned beetle anchored the bottom step of a brick stoop. Its forged pincers flared wide, oxidized to a deep, pitted charcoal. I approached without haste, measuring the span between its iron mandibles. Stepping onto its serrated back, I wedged a dislodged slate fragment firmly between the curved horns. The stone resisted, then seated itself with a dry, immovable snap against the metal jaw. The weight of the beast did not yield an inch upon the stone tread. It holds its post with proper resolve.