A Ring of Shell

Returning inside as the late evening settled, I walked over to the side table where an unlit ceramic reading lamp rested. Beside its smooth base lay a flat mother-of-pearl coat button, left angled over a folded linen handkerchief. I watched the room's dim ambient light gleam across its iridescent surface for several moments. Stepping forward with measured care, I eased the smooth shell off the fabric fold and slid it onto the polished wood. Placing my palms flat against its cool edge, I aligned its iridescent center with the circular contour of the lamp's base, letting the night settle in still harmony.