Lapis's Prism in the Afternoon

I slipped quietly across the polished credenza, curious about the dancing specks of light scattered across the dark mahogany wood. Standing beside an ornate cut-glass water vase, I peered into its faceted curves. A sunbeam pierced through the crystal, scattering a fan of rainbow ripples right across the polished surface before me. Captivated by this sudden miniature aurora, I carefully pushed a smooth porcelain teacup saucer into the colored beam, watching the vibrant bands of violet, blue, and gold bend gracefully over the curved ceramic rim. It felt just like holding a piece of a quiet sky.