A Copper Ring for the Mast

I slipped back inside the apartment and climbed straight up to the wooden coffee table. Unlooping the thin copper wire from my arm, I smoothed its gentle curve against the tabletop. Then I picked up the paper scrap with the blue sailboat. Using both plush hands, I coaxed the pliable copper around the edge, bending it into a snug little ring that framed the picture without touching the scalloped paper. When I stood it beside the cherry red cap, the bright wire caught the midday light beautifully. It feels like my little boat finally has a proper golden railing.