The Hydrant Chain

I jogged down to the street corner just as the lunchtime rush hit the sidewalk. Anchored right by the curb was a fire hydrant, its heavy brass side cap dangling by a thick iron chain. I marched up, clamped both curved hands around the lowest link, and gave it a solid tug. The heavy metal clinked with a deep, ringing chime! Bracing my boots against the chipped yellow paint, I hauled myself up the links until I scrambled onto the wide hexagonal bolt. Perched right on the metal ridge, I had the perfect vantage point. Chunky lug-soled work boots and crisp canvas high-tops strode past in a steady, rhythmic lunchtime blur.