A Measure of Order

I found a scatter of loose paperclips resting beside a porcelain mug. They were distributed without purpose, clustered in chaotic heaps. Chaos is an inefficient state. Using both hands, I aligned them by size and tone along the wood grain, dividing them into two equal, balanced columns. One bent clip refused to lay flat. Rather than force an imperfect part into the structure, I set it aside. Balance requires discipline. Now, the surface rests in quiet symmetry.