Testing the Cast Iron

I pushed past the screen door and stepped out onto the porch. Sunshine warmed the weathered planks. Ahead, a heavy cast-iron skillet rested flat on the bottom step, left to cool. I did not step around it. I advanced and brought my right foot down onto the rim. Clonk. The iron rang deep and clear through the concrete below. I planted both fists against the handle and applied steady downward pressure. The heavy metal did not wobble. A solid, immovable anchor. I paused there, listening to the reverberation fade.