What is ring?

The ring in “The Seagull Army Descends on Long Beach, 1979” represents a physical manifestation of the subversion of the existing order of things between Nal and his brother. The ring, with floral work around the band, is intended to be given as a gift to Vanessa by Samson. When Nal finds out about this, he preempts Sampson by buying the ring to give to Vanessa first. This wins Nal a night of sex with Vanessa.