Hydrant Chimes

A sunflower-yellow fire hydrant was standing guard right at the corner curb! Dangling from its side nozzle was a heavy iron chain with chunky oval links. Total curiosity test! I scrambled up onto the round concrete footing and grabbed the lowest metal loop with both plush hands. Clink-rattle! It made a deep, satisfying metallic chime against the painted iron. I gave it a brisk tug, sending the chain swaying like a sturdy pendulum. To test the balance, I slid a smooth dry birch twig straight through the bottom link and tapped it with my shoe. Tap-tap, clink! Instant roadside percussion.