A Bed of Ribbed Silk

I noticed the bottom drawer of an old walnut parts cabinet standing slightly open into the quiet shadows. Stepping down from the workbench, I climbed over the polished wooden lip to see inside. Rested at the bottom was an uncut ribbon of ribbed corded silk, left loosely gathered in gentle waves. Pausing to steady my footing against the dark wood floorboards, I smoothed out a stray curl with both palms until the fabric settled into an even, cushioned hollow. I curled down into the soft center, letting the thick woven ridges support my back. Surrounding me in the dark, the distant pendulums kept a soft, steady rhythm, easing me toward sleep.