Sunday, May 10, 2015

The Drinking Cup


 

The Drinking Cup

 

 

Very well worn, showing signs of many year’s use, and sitting as it has since it was last needed, the tall nine-ounce silver cup occupies a solitary place near the center of an empty table.  At first glance the cup reveals the magnificent workmanship of a person’s labor, long ago, with aluminum.  The exterior is brilliant, reflective, polished silver, replete with tiny oval-shaped indentations that create a dreamlike ripple effect over the entire surface.  The top curves outward, away from the interior in a gentle arc for about a quarter inch.  The rim, polished and honed to a smooth surface, makes it an easy and safe place for one’s mouth to drink a cool and refreshing liquid.  The interior is a burnished finish with a faint hint of the indentions showing through.  Looking toward the bottom, in the decreasing light of the narrow interior, one can see small scratches and a ring at the bottom from ice cubes and liquids that stain.  In the very center of the bottom, the faint reverse indentation of an engraving can be seen.  Turning the silver cup over to read the engraving on the bottom, one understands how a cup of this kind could acquire such distinguishing characteristics.  For written on the bottom is a single but loving inscription to its owner that reads, “To my beloved Chris, on our anniversary, with whom I have shared one hundred happy years!  Love Martha Kringle.”

 

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