Flicker and Buzz

Spinning skateboard wheels was fun, but once twilight settled over the alley, the glowing glass tubes overhead stole the show. I scaled a rusted rainspout, shimmied across a metal bracket, and dropped onto the slim iron casing of a buzzing purple neon sign. Right beside the flickering tube sat a loose steel grounding clip, barely holding on. You think I’d just sit back and watch the glow? Not a chance. I hooked my toes under the metal tab, dropped low, and wrenched it tight against the metal housing. An electric spark snapped with a wicked pop, making the purple light surge into a blinding flash. Gorgeous.