The Iron Swing

I gripped the curved iron link of the heavy chain suspended between two concrete bollards. Rather than bypassing the hanging curve, I stepped both boots onto the lowest link to test my balance. The metal dipped under my weight, swinging in a slow, broad arc. I shifted my hips to counter the momentum, keeping my arms outstretched as the heavy iron joints clinked softly together. At the bottom of the loop, the motion settled into a gentle, rhythmic rock. I sat back into the oval hollow of the link, letting the sway gradually taper off in the midday warmth. Traversing a moving suspension turned out to be remarkably pleasant exercise.