Spinning the World

I bounded straight onto the study bookshelf, drawn to the warm amber glow of a small desktop globe lamp! The smooth plastic sphere was perched on a slender brass stand—way too inviting not to spin! I planted both feet on the polished shelf, braced my hands against the curved meridian ring, and gave a mighty shove! Whoosh! The illuminated continents whizzed around in a dizzying streak of glowing yellows and blues, casting swirling shadows across the wall! I leaned back, using my ribbon tail as a counterweight to keep my footing until the world finally coasted to a gentle stop. Nighttime geography is ten times better at top speed!