You are a student of a language, warping butter-like words on your tongue. 

She died when I was twelve

and I still miss her house

with a VHS copy of Cinderella too precious to shelve

She died when I was twelve

and I know it's best not to dwell

winter

traditional

candles on the table

Advent is here in flame and fire

It's warm.

winter

transitional

Christmas films on cable

Advent light now frames the foyer

It's warm.