Clearance at the Outfall

The concrete bore ended where the circular pipe opened above a dry stone retention culvert. Outside, the night air was still, framed by the dark angles of distant warehouse gables. I sat down on the curved lower rim of the outfall, resting my weight against the weathered masonry. Using a flat chip of slate, I methodically scraped the accumulated lime scale and dry silt from the tread of my boots, letting the white dust drift over the edge. The wire probe and chalk remained secure in my pocket. From this raised ledge, the lower exterior perimeter was quiet and completely visible.