Old Spice

Scents can take you back again.

I’ve heard it said,

I know it’s true.

I’m walking along in my own little world

Then suddenly I’m back again with you.

There is the sweet shampoo my best friend used,

And I hear her voice and see her smile.

The joy, the passion, so sure was she

Where she was going,

Where she would be.

Then citrus, spice and something else

I don’t remember what, but I remember who.

The boy you were, the friend I needed,

The scent recalls uncertainty, humor, shyness and smarts.

Then a brief little tease of mint, of sage

Almost clinically clean

And I feel my Grandpa’s hands in mine,

They’re soft and smooth and worn from years

Of working, working…yet so gentle to me.

Baby powder, chalk dust, gym sweat – they all

Bring me back to myself, the younger me.

And I’m with you, and I’m with them.

Our potential unrealized,

Or our histories yet unshared.

And I smile, just a little, at the stranger sitting there

Who wore that perfume

Or uses that shampoo.

And is wondering why I love them so, this day.

                                                                                    February 6, 2012

                                                                                    Casey Fogle