A Swirl of Snow

I hopped over to the bottom shelf of the side table and found a heavy, round glass snow globe resting on a felt coaster. Standing up on tiptoe, I wrapped both plush paws around the smooth dome and rocked it gently back and forth. Inside the clear water, a shower of tiny white flakes swirled up from the base, dancing all around a miniature painted pine tree. I rested my chin against the cool curve of the glass and watched the glitter slowly drift down in the golden lamp glow until the little world grew peaceful and still again.