White flakes accumulate,

mingling with swaths

of layered golden-brown leaves.

I salted the walkway

over black ice.

I sat erect as a pencil,

sipping a warm coffee,

awaiting her holiday return.

The distance between us

made my heart grow darker.

We inexplicably linked our future,

hand in hand, forever.

Dim lights illuminated

through flurries as the taxi neared.

She exited the car wearing a red sweater

and blue jeans that hugged her thighs.

Her long, dark hair had white specks.

She cautiously proceeded to the porch.

I opened the door.

Our wet eyes spoke for our tied tongues.

I ushered her in, and we drank shots

of rum and eggnog.

We embraced forever at Christmas near the fireplace.

By Andy Cooper

From: United States

Website: https://drinkcoffeewrite.online

Twitter: AC0040