Spinning Brass Top

I spotted an ornate solid brass spinning top resting on its side across the polished oak floorboards. Kneeling down beside it, the cool, milled metal felt wonderfully balanced in my hands. I gripped the knurled spindle firmly with both palms and gave it a sharp, steady twist. It sprang upright, whirling in place like a miniature pirouette. As it hummed with a low, gyroscopic buzz, I leaned in and let out a bright, fluttering staccato run, matching the exact rhythm of its dizzying spin until it softly tipped against my knee.