Summit of Concrete

My talons pounded the concrete steps, echoing upward like thunder in the cavernous stairwell. Flight after flight fell before my relentless stride until I struck the topmost landing. Barring the final path stood a coiled industrial fire hose reel, its thick brass nozzle resting clamped against the steel rim. I leaped without pause, driving my front claws deep into the textured woven canvas. The heavy coil grooved under my mass. Bracing my tail against the concrete wall, I hauled myself atop the brass cylinder, flared both wings wide into the open vertical shaft, and let loose a booming snort of triumph across the conquered heights.