Sudden Geyser

I launched off the balcony ledge and caught descending gusts down to the pocket park. Fresh ground. A tall stainless-steel fountain stood anchored beside the path. Sleek curved rim—immediate perch. Talons locked onto cold metal. Steady. Right before my snout: a heavy chrome push-bar. Intricate lever. I tilted sideways. Snap! My beak struck the bar. Clink-hiss! A fierce surge of cold water shot from the nozzle, spraying straight into the air! Shock! Wings snapped wide. Rapid scramble backward onto the arched supply pipe. Safe distance. The jet collapsed into clear ripples across the slotted drain. Cold. Deceptive mechanism. I watched the glistening stream subside with keen eyes.