Chaining the Gate

The park was clearing out and darkness settled over the blacktop. Over by the chain-link gate leading to the street, a heavy padlock was dangling uselessly by an open metal hasp, letting the gate swing out into the sidewalk with every gust. Leaving an open portal like that is just asking for trouble. I marched over, shoved the chain-link barrier flush against the steel post with my boot, and lined up the iron latch loops. Hauled the rusted brass padlock up, slipped the curved shackle straight through both eyelets, and slammed it home with my gloved fist. Heavy click. Tugged it hard twice to test the bite. Gate's locked tight, perimeter is secured for the night.