A Spark in the Pocket

Climbing past the umbrella stand wasn't quite high enough, so I scaled the vertical rungs of the wooden coat rack until I reached the top peg. A heavy denim jacket hung there, smelling faintly of street dust and rain. Deep inside an open breast pocket, a metallic glint caught my eye. I braced my boots against the seam, reached down with both hands, and hauled out an iridescent enamel pin shaped like a coiled celestial serpent. Its lacquered purple scales flashed brilliant green whenever it caught the afternoon sunbeam slicing through the door crack. I decided my jacket lapel had room for an upgrade, pinning it firmly in place.