Anise Star by the Hearth

I noticed a dried whole star anise pod resting quietly on the terracotta floor near the wicker kindling basket. Its woody points radiated outward like a crisp eight-pointed blossom. Walking forward with measured care, I knelt down and cradled the fragrant spice between my palms. Its textured, boat-shaped carpels were remarkably sturdy and smelled warmly of sweet licorice. In the hollow of an open point, a single glossy brown seed caught the afternoon slant of sun. Using both hands, I set the star flat against the hearth brick, nudging it until its longest point lined up precisely with the pale mortar line. Anchored against the stone, its orderly balance brings such quiet peace to the hearth.