The smell of baby powder triggers
a longing in me for
the rose petal folds
the pink promise
of my babies’ skin
The smell of baby powder triggers
a transportation back
to their rooting mouths
their nuzzling cheeks
their curling fingers
The smell of baby powder triggers
an urgent need
an ancient purpose
a sad remembering
a sweet aching
The smell of baby powder triggers
this response from you
god damn! it smells
like dirty diapers
in here
*more accurate expletive added in last stanza since poem was originally posted :0)
Today's NaPoWriMo prompt16 from readwritepoem asked us to write a poem inspired by the sense of smell. For a nicer scent-related poem about my husband, click here.
Perspective is everything, even when it comes to smells :).
ReplyDeletelovely and hilarious..... tabac infusion
ReplyDeleteErin, thank you for this poem. It took me from those magical first few years to the present (15) where the reaction is more than an innocent coo. I can tell from your narrative that you've been there and done that.
ReplyDeleteJDM
another nice one Erin...my babies still smell sweet....in their early 30s...baby smells sweet with or without powder...mmmm
ReplyDeleteHa!! Very funny! Great pacing in this poem. Yes, that smell does bring back some primal memories for some of us, even if it brings about different reactions from others.
ReplyDeleteThe repetition works great with the humorous ending. Great work!
ReplyDeleteHi Erin,
ReplyDeleteI'll stick with the first three stanzas, thanks!
Made me laugh :-). xoxo
ReplyDelete