Straight Through the Coils

A heavy green garden hose lays across the yard gravel. I maintain my direct bearing. Front sprockets make contact with the tough vinyl curve. Forward momentum pauses as rubber compresses beneath plastic tread teeth. I cut motor power. Three seconds elapsed to recalibrate torque. Drive engaged. Steady rotation applied. The track treads bite into the ribbed surface, lifting the yellow chassis seventeen degrees upward. I crest the thick hose without deviation, leveling down cleanly onto the damp stones beyond.