A Solid Balance

I climbed the low rung of the stool to reach the wide wooden windowsill. A small ceramic saucer with a dry succulent leaned slightly off-kilter on an uneven knot in the timber. Near the sash lay an old brass curtain ring, heavy and cool. I planted both soles firmly on the grain and rolled the ring against the raised knot, easing the saucer's base onto its level edge. The clay settled with a firm, quiet click. No sway. I sat flat beside it, resting one palm against the cool brass curve.