A Steady Measure

I lifted a small brass hourglass from the corner shelf of the solar to mark my evening quiet time. Halfway through the turn, the fine amber sand hitched at the narrow glass neck, stopping completely dead. A sudden surge of irritation flared in my chest—I was sorely tempted to rap the delicate bulb against the stone ledge. Taking a sharp, controlling breath instead, I rested the flat circular base against the rim of a heavy bronze paperweight and gave the lower brass pillar three light, rhythmic taps with my curved thumb. The obstruction gave way with a faint hiss, releasing a silky trickle of sand into the lower bulb. Order restored, I let the steady stream measure out the night.