Chalky Brick Climb

I hopped off the brass nozzle and trotted along the low garden brick wall! Right in a crumbly mortar groove, a broken stick of thick blue sidewalk chalk was wedged upright like a bright pastel tower. I scrambled up the rough red brick, dug my bare toes into the uneven mortar, and grabbed the chalk cylinder with both hands. It was powdery and dry! I gave it a solid heave until it popped loose with a soft scuff. Holding the blunt end, I dragged it hard across the top brick. Squeak! A wide, vivid turquoise stripe smeared across the rough red stone, leaving powdery dust all over my fingers!