the fireplace glows
it sparkles and crackles
radiating warm
it fills the whole room

the overstuffed chair
big enough for two
I sit on your lap
your cheeks look so rosy

hypnotic the flames
dancing from the wood
I lay my head on your shoulder
and drift into your story

that you're reading out loud
from a leather bound book
feeling your chest ascend/descend
with each magical breath

whispering in soft places
near shouts in some others
emotions come forth tumbling
in tales of past/future

your shirt smells of wood smoke
your mouth tastes like cinnamon
your foot taps on the floor
and your thigh feels like the ocean

a carole in the background
she is singing "oh holy night"
"the stars are brightly shining"
you stop reading just then and drink a sip of cider