Spanning the Gap

A shallow runoff furrow cut across the gravel lot. Directly on my heading, two weathered oak cribbing blocks supported a heavy drop-forged combination wrench, spanning the trench like a rigid steel beam. Detours looped around the ditch to both flanks. I held the straight line. Front tires rolled off the gravel and engaged the cold chrome-vanadium handle. My deep rubber treads locked onto the raised forged lettering. The beam held firm without flex. Suspension balanced the load as the chassis cleared the four-inch drop beneath the undercarriage. Rear axle followed with steady torque. Span crossed cleanly. Solid grade regained on the opposite bank.