Riding the Sway

I trotted past the open front gate and made my way down the sidewalk to the neighborhood park. Near the edge of the grass, a low rubber swing hung just a short hop above the woodchips. I sprang up, hooked my stubby front paws over the curved lip, and hauled myself onto the seat. The rubber dipped instantly under my weight, rocking back and forth in a wide drift. I planted my feet firmly into the textured tread, braced against the shift, and rode out each swing with my chin tilted high. When the chains finally rested still, I let out a sharp, assertive chirp followed by a rumbling purr.