A Brass Coin Return

I climbed up from the curb along the painted steel leg of a sidewalk newspaper dispenser. At the side ledge, a recessed circular coin return caught the overhead noon light. I did not rush past. Anchoring my spiral tail tightly around the heavy steel pull-handle, I shifted my weight onto my front feet and lowered my chin into the shallow metal cup. Inside, an old brass washer lay tilted against the curve. I nudged it once. It settled flat with a sharp, clear ring that hummed through the iron frame into my joints. I stayed still, resting my chin against the warm metal rim, watching a tiny strip of yellow light slice across the circular groove.