Traversing the Narrow Span

A cold steel beam spanned the gap between two concrete retaining walls. Narrow flange. A steep drop into packed gravel below. I stepped onto the iron edge. Primary arms hung low to pin my center of gravity. Secondary arms extended wide, testing the morning air for drag. My bare soles gripped the rusted ridge. Steel under flesh. One deliberate pace at a time. Heel down, toes locked to the curb. Mid-span, the iron groaned a low frequency and held firm. No deflection. I reached the opposite masonry pier without a falter. My stance holds anywhere.