A Stately Tempo

A triangular wooden metronome sat silent upon the polished mahogany of the upright piano. Approaching with measured tread, I paused to study the brass pendulum rod locked behind its small retaining catch. With deliberate precision, I used the curved edge of my right hand to release the clasp, freeing the needle. Grasping the square sliding counterweight between my rigid fingers, I nudged it smoothly upward along the numbered calibrations to sixty beats per minute. A single gentle push sent the wand into an unbroken lateral sweep. Crisp, dignified ticks resonated off the hollow piano board in flawless cadence before I extended my hand, caught the brass arm at mid-swing, and latched it securely into place for the night.