The Hydrant Chain

A tarnished brass chain dangled from the side cap of a red cast-iron fire hydrant, swaying faintly in the afternoon cross-draft. Advancing with measured strides, I tapped the heavy iron flank with the ferrule of my birch cane, receiving a deep, resolute reverberation. Finding a stable foothold upon a protruding hexagonal base nut, I hoisted myself upward with methodical care. Hooking the crook of my wand through the lowest brass link, I applied steady, gentle tension until the draped metal straightened into a neat, disciplined catenary. Resting one skeletal palm upon the cold brass nozzle, I smoothed my beard whiskers and paused to survey the quiet pavement from this elevated post.