Poetry: hygge (n.) by Tianna G. Hansen

hygge (n.)¹

cozy crackle of hearth; steaming cup of cocoa
fingers wrapped together, head on your shoulder
we are two lost puzzle pieces joined at last,
two years long distance, crossed telephone wires
star-crossed constellations glinting in
each other’s eyes, roar of the ocean between us.

         when I am with you
all is right with the world - you lend warmth,
this inner light stoked & burning infinite.
every time I look at you, a blossoming flower
I’ve captured inside reaches petals to the sun.

hygge came when I met you, my heart’s
husband, Danish dinners in candlelight:
roasted duck, caramelized potatoes, red cabbage
        weighted on my ribcage.

flickering flames enchant each night, this passion
radiates in the fiercest winter storms.
hold me close; this pain has started to fade
with you by my side, the dimness flickers
like a warbling bird who once couldn’t fly
we brought the baby bird inside, nursed it
to health, released then to learn the
strength of its fledgling wings.

together, the two of us nestled spirits
weathering each storm, capturing the heat
of our eternal love,
        this never-ending story.

1 /ˈh(y)o͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/. A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture)