A Pillar of Rust

I descended the exterior steps toward the street, claws finding solid traction on the gritty concrete treads. Halfway down, a fallen steel bolt lay wedged against the iron post of the handrail. I planted both feet firmly to test the grade. With one heavy claw, I rolled the cylindrical bolt across the step until it tapped flush against the post's flanged base. The metal felt dense and sun-warmed. I braced my side against the joined assembly, letting the vibration of passing street traffic hum through the steel into my chest.