Tightrope on the Iron Web

My sneakers tapped right onto the heavy cast-iron tree grate circling a giant elm! The whole thing looked like an enormous spiderweb forged out of dark metal. Total tightrope challenge! I held my arms out stiff like airplane wings and balanced heel-to-toe along the outermost curved iron ring. Step, wobble, pause—steady! Looking down between the narrow slots, I could see cool dark earth and a handful of dry seeds resting below. I reached the sunny side, gave the rough iron a triumphant double-stomp, and celebrated my complete lap around the trunk. Sidewalk acrobat at your service!