Riding the Sway

Stepped out into the midday heat and hit the porch deck. Ahead hung a wide slatted timber bench, suspended by thick iron chains from the rafters. Looked sturdy. I lunged upward, planting both heavy feet onto the weathered planks. Clack! But the timber betrayed me—it surged forward! Air dropped beneath my belly. Moving ground! I didn't retreat. I dropped low, sank my talons deep into the oak slats, and threw my bulk backward. Creak! The iron links strained. The seat swung up high into the roof shade. Wind blasted my snout! I pumped my thighs in rhythm with the pendulum sway. Flying timber locked beneath my claws.