Perfume Bottle

She kept her scent in the refrigerator
off and on upon the rack of Chenin Blanc,
or, in the door, with grey poupon and sour milk
where it, perforce, would topple upon the floor
when opened with any gentle, manly force.
At times, it would be lost among the yellow
golden citrus within the crisper drawer
or, it lurked, disguised behind an OJ carton
pretending to be a jar of marmalade:
so way, way beyond the ken of him to find.
And yet, with her, a flick of the door, a spritz
of Jasmine, gardenia, basil, orange, peach,
which pursued the flowing silken scarves she wore.
“Come, let’s go, we have a party to attend.”
She’d say, “What are you staring at, my sweetie?”

Just an empty perfume bottle, by the milk.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025



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Date: 9/15/2025 2:12:00 AM
- Reminds me of a friend who always kept perfume in the refrigerator ... and never used it ... never remembered to go to the kitchen before she went out - I can see it all ... mixed with fruit, vegetables (leek :) and sour milk, Terry ... love it :) ... best wishes in the contest :) - hugs
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Date: 9/14/2025 3:57:00 PM
A most unique approach to the contest and a delight to read. I don't know if mine is unique or 'off the wall', it's just 'what happened.' I enjoyed reading this very much. Poetry hugs ... CayCay
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Terry Miller
Date: 9/15/2025 1:50:00 AM
Thank you CayCay, I enjoyed your entry very much
Date: 9/13/2025 5:50:00 PM
lovely indeed....sound contest entry. My aunt always kept her perfume in the refrigerator...making some foods smell and taste like her perfume :-)
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Miller Avatar
Terry Miller
Date: 9/15/2025 1:52:00 AM
Thank you Sara, a lot of females in my life have worn the same perfume always, and whenever I catch one of those scents, it brings back the memories
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