another night.

there's a fire in the hearth.
and in passing,
i feel its warmth.

and i am reminded of
the warmth around our table.
i smile.

our meal is inundated
with laughter
and concern
and congratulations
and every other
good thing
you can imagine.

and again
i am reminded
of how lucky
i've come to be.

then, we drive.
we're in a maze,
but it's all okay.

because there are seat warmers
and christmas lights
and the peering through of windows
to gaze at chandeliers
and dream up new beginnings.

but above all
there is laughter.

the kind that makes your heart light.

the kind you only share with friends.

on a tuesday night
in november.