Lowering to the Lever

I lowered myself over the curved lip of the seat cushion and hung by my hands. The textured plastic edge offered solid friction. Releasing my hold, I dropped onto the horizontal steel rod below. The metal lever gave a muffled creak under my weight, then settled rigid against its bracket. I sank into a crouch to absorb the impact, gripping the cold steel shaft with both hands until all movement ceased. Beneath my sneakers, the black five-spoke base spreads out toward the floor. The remaining distance is manageable.