The aroma seeps from its pores
golden-brown oak
hugging doorways, windows,
and planked underfoot
vanilla whispers
from ivory candles, glowing
softly around the room
as shadows dance
lighthearted laughter
against Venetian wallpaper
I see you through the darkness
distinguished, animal magnetism
and my soul stands before you
naked, as my body
sits opposite you
smooth and creamy
hazelnut coffee
our only witness
while we converse
never making a sound.
