In December,
8 days before Christmas,
as rain falls steadily outside,
a freshly toweled dog
jumps for a treat
then trots away in glee to devour it.
The brewer prepares just one
cup of coffee
for a red mug already warmed
with hot milk.
Finally there is
the homey smell
of apples
of butter and pecans
of sugar and cinnamon
from a steaming bowl
of old-fashioned
oatmeal.