Rosy chitchat lifts my chin,

swearing off fatigue

and busyness, while

ivory cocktails with green olives

welcome the end of a long week.

I glance about my surroundings –

patrons sprinkled like frost on my nose,

my fingertips, my toes,

though fate wraps me tight

with the best seat in the house.

A table by the fireplace,

orange flames against gray stones,

sturdy and solid, I settle in warmth.

Unopened menu waits as

I’m called by the flames.

Blue bottles line the mantel,

 ...

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