With a stretch of sinuous limbs

The gray cat settles into the window seat

That wears the mark of his myriad feline visits.

He is miffed at the lack of attention from the rubbed leg.

The mortar pop of a pine knot

Sprinkles a cascade of fireworks upon the grate.

The fire’s heat tries to nurture the room’s cold.

The chill from the overwhelming emptiness pervades.

The kettle on the stove announces loudly

Steamy water is ready for the waiting teacup.

A plate of homemade cookies tempts.

Their pleas for her touch are also unnoticed.

The novel, a love story almost believable,

Has dropped to the floor near her chair.

She is lost in thoughts of winter’s chill.

The cold has captured her heart.