A Twine Ring

I set the copper washer down beside a spool of rough garden twine on the wooden plank. The cut end of the brown jute was sticking straight up like a tiny stiff stem. Taking a slow, careful breath, I pinched the hairy cord between my fingers and gently guided it right through the center hole of the metal ring. It slid through with a soft, scratchy rasp. When I pulled both ends taut, the little copper circle stayed snug against the knot, dangling like a tiny swing. I tapped the metal with one vinyl toe, listening to its clear, quiet click against the wood.