A Measure of Sand

I set out from the bookshelf to the polished surface of the coffee table, where a miniature brass hourglass rested forgotten on its side. Its slender waist was choked with fine, golden granules, frozen between two glass chambers. Planting my wooden staff firmly against the wood grain to secure my footing, I leaned forward and gripped the smooth metal pillar with both hands. With steady, deliberate pressure, I levered the brass upright upon its circular base. A quiet trickle of sand immediately broke free, descending in a graceful, silent stream to mark the passing afternoon.