Sun-derstorms

Soft foamy lattes,

One sugar,

cupped hands

I drink alongside a chocolate treat

or two

on a park walk

across a crunchy leaf-lined stage.

The soft, barely-detectable thud of boot imprints in snow and ivory flakes landing on bobble hats.

Like padding cat paws and ambient purrs.

The crisp refreshing oxygen

entering in

Your lungs as you’re afforded a deep inhale given you’re shrouded in a scarf as big as a rug.

The warm honey-musk scent of sun-speckled patches on sofas and scarves,

That she describes as home.

That you lay on on lazy days and when you Work From Home,

Or get home from work.

The smile of loved ones;

Cracked lips and brilliant teeth,

Dimples and freckles,

Head tilts and giggles,

Disney eyes and doughy cheeks.

Ones that give you genuine Cute Aggression and tingly hands.

Laughing with you at parties,

Emerging in soft focus in concerts and clubs.

The people that, on one day, made you brave enough to go

and on others, wiggly-toed,

Now dancing in slo-mo.

Excitement lit up in thunderstorms that reminds you of childhood

and possibility.

Rain speckled windows and the little taps

as it gently knocks on glass

to let you know it’s out there while you’re in here,

Snuggled and safe.

Blowing soapy suds off poised hands

Gently landing on pages of a good book,

Greeted from the bath by a giant towel

Pre-warmed.

Soft dog fur,

Fresh-oven pastries,

butter and warm bread,

collect.

As aromatic as a St Eval candle burning invitingly at the end of the hall.

Twinkly lights

And darker nights

Where starry skies meet a clouded canvas.

The moon sets up camp among Cassiopeia and Jupiter

Whilst the Sun takes her rest.

And we’re in here,

Comfy

Cosy

Our first home.

One we’ve warmed with radiant spirits, chattering friendships and consuming embraces that bubble into a hue of golden light

Scattered across our walls.

Our walls.

The walls we lean on,

Drill into and obliterate

Paint and decorate

with self tapes and shadows.

Walls that have been here since 1884

or even before

And will still be,

Keeping our secrets,

Sharing our stories

When we’ve scattered ourselves into glittering dust.

All these things,

Making the world a little brighter

and toasty.