Tracing the Labyrinth

I loosened the ribbon ties beneath my hair and lifted the woven sea-rush hat into the quiet evening. Turning it upside down upon the cedar chest in the stern alcove, I let the dim lantern light fall across the underside. The faded indigo lining revealed its eccentric white labyrinth spirals in clear, intricate curves. With slow, unhurried care, I traced the winding path with my cloth fingertip, following the turn of the print until it gathered into a tight circle at the center. Once the journey was finished, I gathered the loose ribbons and looped the crown over an antique brass sconce, letting the wide brim settle flush against the dark timber.