Inspecting the Pivot

Morning light hit the edge of the desk. I stepped past the white notepad and approached the heavy metal base of the lamp. A steel screw held the joint together. I planted my boots firmly on the smooth wood surface and reached up, pressing my rigid thumb against the slotted head. Cool metal. It did not turn. I leaned my weight into it and tapped the threaded bolt twice. Solid hardware. A narrow gap beneath the curved iron arm offered just enough space to duck under and survey the perimeter.