The Spiced Apple Cider

Texture: rice sequin

Scent: apple, pear, cinnamon stick

The Spiced Apple Cider

The old lady points toward a rotting chair
and pours a steaming brew,
a mug of hot, spiced cider, ready
and waiting there for you.

She smiles and says, “Drink deeply, child.
The hour is late and long.”
You bring the vessel to your lips,
though something feels so wrong.