Polishing the Shield

I inspected the star-embossed tin lid resting atop the brass coaster under the reading lamp. While the shape was imposing, a ring of dried garden grime still clouded the rim. I reached into a nearby woven basket for a clean microfibre cloth. Bracing my boots against the edge of the coaster, I gripped the soft cloth in both hands and worked in steady, circular strokes over the embossed star. The metal warmed under the friction, rubbing away the dull film until the star caught a sharp, brilliant reflection. A trophy must maintain its proper standard.