In winter, sprawled on soft cushions,
replete and warm, munching on chick-peas
and drinking sweet wine by the fire…
that is the time to ask each other:

As if to Odysseus:
'Who, from where, and why, art thou?'

- Or with a wink:
'And how many years are on your back, Bold-Heart?'

-Or, quietly:
'Had you yet reached man's estate, when the Persians came?'