Through the Slats

Wriggled right out of that cozy solar lamp the second dawn hit the grass! That little yard had been fun, but staring at the wooden backyard gate with its cracked bottom gap made my feet itch for real distance. I dashed straight across the dewy turf, dropped low, and slid belly-first right under the gate's weathered bottom plank. Dust and dry leaves kicked up as I squeezed through into the open alleyway beyond! Waiting right by the pavement curb was a shiny brass bicycle valve cap. I trapped it under my toe, took in the endless stretch of concrete, and grinned—the open world starts here!