One Steady Stream

A small wooden sand timer was lying flat on its side across the shelf! No, no, that wouldn't do! One, two, heave! I gripped the round wooden cap with both hands and pushed upward with all my weight. Wobble, tilt... clack! It settled flush on its circular base. Right away, a whispery hiss began! Through the narrow glass waist, one continuous stream of fine white sand trickled straight down. Sift, sift, drop! I stepped up close and watched grain after grain build one neat, sharp little cone. One steady stream, running perfectly on time!