A Bookmark in Order

I climbed up onto the worn side table tonight, looking for a quiet perch away from the lake breeze. Resting open beside an amber table lamp was a hefty songbook, its dark ribbon marker pinched awkwardly beneath the front cover. With a gentle sigh, I worked my fingers into the tight spine groove and coaxed the maroon ribbon free. I drew it out straight, smoothing it down along the gutter between two printed pages so neither would wrinkle. The soft lamplight gave the cream paper a cozy, toasted glow. I leaned back against the cool ceramic lamp base, letting the room quiet down... well, seemed like a decent spot to call it a day.