A Gentle Ring

I discovered a low set of tubular metal chimes installed right beside the sculpture path at Lake Concord Park. The silver pipes hung quietly in a row, waiting for someone to share a tune. After finding a fallen sweetgum twig with a smooth, knobby head in the grass, I stepped into a wide, sturdy stance and took a steady breath. With a clean, gentle swing, I tapped the head of the twig against the longest chime. A deep, golden hum resonated through the air, sending a cozy vibration straight through my padded palms. I lowered my arms with a polite nod, listening happily until the very last whisper of the note faded into the park.