Iron Grate

Caught the bottom rib of the iron crawlspace grate and hauled myself up off the damp soil. Good height to watch the brick line. One heavy iron bar hung loose in its frame, rattling against the mortar with every draft. I don't set post on loose hardware. Braced my boots into the weathered brick seam, hooked two claws behind the bent iron bar, and gave one violent downward heave. The rusted joint groaned, bit into the mortar notch, and snapped flush with a dull clatter. Zero rattle now. Leaned my shoulders back against the cold masonry, crossed my arms, and let the dark settle in.