Fox in the Snow

I gazed at her from the back as she stood with
Eyes into the monochrome sky consumed
In thoughts reserved for the lucky few
Motionless like a silhouette
I felt the connection
A chilling trance 
Put me to knees
Her essence 
So close
Almost
Yes

So fine her brown skin
Layered black to protect
From the cold white 
Beneath her, above, everywhere
Crystalline

I caught up 
Our eyes met and we smiled
I could read 
Happiness stripped of stress, past and ahead
I knew she had not felt this
Free
For some time now

I opened the door 
She walked inside
And I followed

The aroma, caffeine-rich, floated about the cafe
And gently made its way to us
We experienced a soothing rush
Of ambient sounds
Soft, intricate patterns lined the walls 
And traveled from the entrance
Through the edges
To the register and
Back again

We sat in front of a giant glass window
And could witness the bakery make its treats
I saw cinnamon rolls that still had their fluff
Pecan sticky buns that still had their glaze shine
Blueberry pies that still seeped from the sides
They were on wood, in line for the oven
They were on trays, awaiting the baker's hand
They were behind the counter, ready to be sold

The girl had an arrogato 
I had a latte, doused with nutmeg and cinnamon
The cups were the size of rice bowls
I indulged 
My tongue burned 
A deep breathe of air calmed the heat
I hovered over the steam like a fire in the night
Escape, safety, peace

The way you look at me
Your eyes, your stare 
It's like you are peering straight into my soul
Through me, through everything
No one has ever done that before

Time went on and we jumped between subjects
Not leaps like marriage but baby rabbit skips like favorites
She is a city girl that likes country
A devoted reader of fantasy 
She does not have pets, but enjoys turtles
She is always on the hunt for adventure

I took a last sip 
Cold and bland
And we walked into the snow
With hope of a happy ending