Pulaski by Jerry D. Mathes II The file rasps against the edge raining metal dust filling my gloves’ pores and creases. The a combination tool, an axe to chop roots or fell small trees and a hoe to scrape away the duff and grass, sparking rocks hidden in the dirt to halt the fire as it rolls over the mountain, blowing flame down canyons or to lean on for a breath. The tool is named after the crew boss, who during the 1910 Big Blow-up, held his crew at gunpoint in a mineshaft as fire seared the forest. Some men trembled in the dark, wanting to run like bears from a den at the howl of the hunter’s hounds. Pulaski blocked the passage and his men survived the freight of smoke and heat above ground. I’ll keep this tool sharp and free of rust so that if fire ever burns me over, the investigators will find the surviving steel head and comment on its fine condition. 70 theMeadow
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