The Strumming Peg

I noticed an acoustic guitar leaning upright against the sturdy wooden bookcase, its dark body reflecting the evening lamplight. Scrambling onto the thick braided wool rug at its base, I hopped onto the smooth, rounded rim of the lower bout and shimmied up toward the headstock. Resting right near the edge was a polished nickel tuning peg wrapped with coiled brass wire. I planted both paws firmly against the key and twisted with all my strength. Clink-creak! The peg turned just a millimeter, sending a deep, resonant twang through the thickest bronze string. The rich thrum hummed straight through the lacquered timber and buzzed right under my pads! My ears twitched high as I rested my chin against the headstock, feeling the lingering metallic vibration slowly fade.