Recessed Brass

Marched across the damp turf toward the curb. Target identified in the grass: a heavy brass sprinkler nozzle flush with the dirt. No hesitation. I shoved my right plunger straight down over the round brass cap. Airtight seal. Planted my boots into the clover and hauled backward with my entire torso. Hiss-shhk. The brass riser cylinder slid six inches out of the ground against heavy spring tension. I froze. Tilted my head ninety degrees. Strong downward pull resisted my grip. I popped the suction seal loose. Thwack. The mechanism snapped back underground instantly, kicking up a spray of dry soil. Resilient spring recoil. Objective secured.