Rough cobblestone betrayed stealthy shoes As she rushed inside from fierce winds that blew Turning on the kettle with ease Stirring inside her mug the tea leaves Reading and waiting in relief from the cold Seated, solitary, sound in her soul Future’s Phantoms and Past’s Pesks Were barred from activity duty, assigned to old desks And she was contented with brilliant bows Placed upon life’s box, wrapped in serenity’s gold For she held what birthday’s usually see Or what others place under a Christmas tree