Lately I've noticed
that people smell -
everyone has a scent
that is uniquely theirs.
Some are mildly pleasant,
some are wildly intoxicating,
and some more rancid.
But everyone has their own.
Like the old lady next door
who always smells of lavender soap,
moth balls and cats.
Or the mysterious woman in town
who leaves a trace of lily musk
wherever she goes.
Or the local fireman
who afterhours bears a cologne
that hints at mountains and cowboys.
Or the little girl who sprays on
every fragrance her mother owns
while playing grown-up.
Then there's always that one,
the special someone,
whose scent you'll never forget,
even long after you discard
that little bottle of their cologne.
My on essence remains unknown,
for my nose has long ago
grown oblivious to it.
But it makes me wonder
if maybe someone, somewhere
has a little bit of me
kept near in a bottle.

09/22/2000

Posted on 09/22/2001
Copyright © 2025 Amanda J Cobb