Through the Gutter

The alley lane finally gave way to the wide concrete curb of the outer street. Traffic thrummed just beyond, too busy to challenge head-on. Between the curb and the asphalt, a thick cast-iron storm drain grate lay sunken in the gutter, filled with dry autumn leaves. I gripped the scrap cart's steel U-bolt, hauled it off the gravel, and rolled the rubber caster right across the iron ribs. The wheel hummed loud and clear over the slots. Stopped right at the edge of the street sidewalk in the shelter of a concrete pillar. Ground surveyed. We crossed the line.