Civic Duty

Scaling the metal conduit on the crosswalk pole was strictly for the elevation, but that shiny yellow pedestrian box had an offensive amount of wasted potential. It had a little metal awning over the silver push button, practically begging for an upgrade. I hauled a chunky, dried pinecone up from the gutter and shoved it right into the gap, wedging it so tight that the button stayed locked flush against the casing. The speaker kicked into its rapid, high-pitched crossing chirp without stopping. Watching hurried commuters pause at the curb, squinting in total confusion while the crosswalk chirped its little heart out, was worth every bit of climbing. You're welcome, city.