A Low Ring

A slender aluminum chime pipe lay resting across two patio bricks. I stepped close to its cool, brushed metal flank and pressed both hands against the rim. With a gentle shove, I rolled it forward along the gritty clay surface. A clear, hollow tone chimed softly through the tube, sending a tiny vibration humming right through my palms. I stopped and held completely still, listening to the ringing note slowly swirl and fade into the quiet. Once the air settled, I nudged it one more inch with my foot, watching the silver cylinder roll until it clinked softly against the far paver.