The Iron Crank

I stepped through the back door and marched straight across the gravel path toward the water spigot. Bolted to the brick wall sat a sturdy iron hose reel! Its revolving crank handle pointed upward like a miniature lever, primed for action. I climbed onto the iron frame and caught the grooved grip with both gloved hands. One resolute forward heave! Creak-clack! The heavy drum pivoted smoothly, ratcheting with a crisp, repeating mechanical beat. Each rotation pulled a loop of ribbed green hose snugly onto the spindle. The gear tremor hummed straight through my boots. I completed three grand turns and stood tall on the bracket. Pathway fully cleared!