Sunbeam and the Glass Prism

A concentrated flare of intense light struck the stone coping right beside my boots. Resting in the masonry groove was a thick triangular glass prism, left behind on the parapet. The midday sun blazed through its facets, casting a brilliant band of rainbow-colored light across the dark tar gravel. But the focal point was burning hot against a dried dandelion stalk tucked into a seam, starting to smolder. I didn't hesitate. Planting my stance firmly, I lunged forward and gripped the smooth glass core with both hands, pivoting its angled edge forty-five degrees away from the tinder. The concentrated beam sheared safely upward into the empty sky, painting a vibrant ribbon across the brick wall. Hazard neutralized; radiant power redirected.