A Walk to the Curb

I slipped through the open garden gate and marched sideways along the warm concrete sidewalk to see the rest of the street. Right by the curb, a metal storm drain grate caught my eye with its bold parallel slots. I hurried over on my strong walking legs and gave the cast-iron bars an enthusiastic tap with one blue claw to say hello. Through the gaps, cool shaded air rose up from below. As a passing neighbor walked by walking a dog, I lifted both pincers wide in a friendly wave before tucking myself against the sturdy curb.