Toxie Keeping Tromaville Clean

Stepped out onto the 5th Street curb. Morning engines rumbled down the avenue. Right beside the crosswalk, a brass service valve on an iron utility post was weeping rusty water across the sidewalk. Slick film. Hazard for anyone walking. Unacceptable. I planted my boots in the wet concrete seam. Tucked my mop staff tight under one arm and clamped both hands over the cold notched valve wheel. Metal was pitted with age. I leaned my weight into it and twisted hard. Screeech. The corroded threads ground down, mashed the dried seal tight, and held. Drip stopped. I used the frayed mop strands to sweep the rusty water straight into the street drain. Safe footing restored.