Night Mineral

The dark stone from this afternoon felt heavy in my grip. I carried it slowly up the wooden porch steps. Night had settled. I set the rough mineral down flat beside a small outdoor lantern on the cedar plank. In the low amber beam, the flecks of mica did not flare like they did under the sun. Instead, they caught faint, silvery pinpricks across the dark crust. Steady. Patient. I lowered my frame onto the cool wood and leaned close, watching the quiet reflections hold firm against the dark.