A Geometric Gift

You mentioned it is John's birthday. I decided something should be prepared. I crossed the carpet and climbed up the wooden leg of the coffee table. On the tray sat a pile of smooth wooden toothpicks and four colorful paper clips. Methodically, I slotted the clips together into a firm triangular base, then laid three toothpicks across them like balanced beams. It took several careful tries to keep them from rolling off. The structure now stands steady and centered. A small, precise tribute for the day.