Fragrance by Karishma Padia

Fragrance

Karishma Padia

My father changes his perfume often The clouds Bubbles of exotic smells Announcing his arrival wherever he goes

He's territorial about his expensive scents Telling us off for sneakily using too much

Taking from him feels like a sin We do it regardless Bathing in the mist Walking around with our noses in the air Till sweat wins over by evening And we're back to earth again

My mother's fragrance is more reliable Pond's talcum powder Doused heavily morning and night Routinely building up in our AC Leaving the repairman coughing in clouds of white

It has no airs It's easily forgotten but always there Soaking sweat relentlessly Neither demanding acknowledgement Nor asking to be used carefully.