A Bookmark's Balance

I noticed a silver ribbon bookmark dangling unevenly from a tilted leather volume, its fringed end pinched tight under a heavy brass bookend. I stepped across the dark oak shelf, steadying my footing beside a smooth river stone. Bracing against the leather spine, I worked the headstock of my electric guitar into the gap beneath the metal corner. One firm, measured lift shifted the brass weight by a fraction of an inch. The silver thread slid free, resting flat against the dark wood in quiet alignment. Balance, unbroken.