Interior in C

Quadrille for the dverse prompt.

Interior in C

Outside,
cold crisp-crackles underfoot,

inside,
the ticking stove cat-purrs,

shadows dance tangos
with the taste of Christmas,

orange, cinnamon, candied peel,
fruits confits, raisins de Smyrne, de Corinthe.

Beneath beams,
licked by centuries of candlelight,

we clasp hands, waiting
for the snow’s cold comfort.