Sam Kauffman Poet Free verse

The Perfume Bottle

In 1948 Nina Ricca released a new fragrance – L’Air du Temp which means present time.  The first spicy floral fragrance.  The bottle was designed by Lalique.  The two intertwined doves represent peace after WWII.
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The Perfume Bottle

In the quiet of silenced cannons,
And odor of reviled salutes now impotent,
Midst plaster dust and stained souls
 Of shattered windows
A flacon rises from battle torn ashes
Caressing the breath of a woman
In present time
As two doves intertwine
Above crystal swirls of sunshine 
Reborn in signature scents of treaties.

Flawless guardian
For the newborn bouquet of hope,
Beneath wings of peace,
As a silhouette of scent
Overpowers the stench of gunpower
And ministers to children’s cries for bread
In a kiss from immortality
Accents of new notes for princess and pauper – 
Spicy and floral –
Released like doves of peace.

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Sara Kendrick September 23, 2025 at 1:28 PM Thanks for sharing this one with us. It reads like a good contender for the contest to me. Way to go. Interesting work expressing so much that the fragrance and artwork on the bottle represent. Sara K

CayCay Godwin September 22, 2025 at 9:36 PM Most unexpected, but Andrea (below) is right, I'm sure Craig doesn't want poems that are literally about perfume bottles. This is a unique and engrossing write. Your muse traveled through glimpses of war and delivered a perfume bottle, how could it be any more poetic? Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Andrea Dietrich September 21, 2025 at 1:43 PM Very cool free verse. I believe this is what the sponsor wants. Something totally out of the box. Wish my mind worked that way! Sam Kauffman September 22, 2025 at 10:17 AM Good morning Andrea! You have such a wonderful way to inspire and support a fellow poet!! Thank you. As I thought about the contest theme I realized that the contest was as much about the perfume bottle as the perfume itself. That led me to investigate the design of perfume bottles and how they relate to their fragrance. I have always loved L'Air du Temps and now it is even more special to me. Had a chance to read your entry and I think the two of us are on the same page. Enjoyed it so much. Chantilly was a favorite in college! Thank you for reminding me how much I loved it!! Blessings of joy to you!

Len Gasun September 21, 2025 at 3:39 AM A marvelous piece bringing hope and light my dearest poet friend Sam. I love this a lot. A great winning entry for the contest. Thanks a lot for sharing. All the best always and God bless. Hugs Sam Kauffman September 22, 2025 at 10:05 AM My dearest Len, I am deeply touched by the perfume of your beautiful words. Thank you. This has become a very special poem for me especially as I have come to know the story of L'Air du Temps. So happy to share with you this story and that you love it. May the fragrance of grace bless you always!!

Danny Derden September 20, 2025 at 5:31 AM Hopeful. Amid ruins and war’s residue, the poem lifts a perfume bottle as a vessel of peace, its fragrance a balm for broken worlds. Sam Kauffman September 20, 2025 at 2:35 PM Greetings, Danny. What a lovely response to this poem. Indeed both the fragrance and the bottle are symbols of the hope for peace and healing - a balm for brokenness and pleas for peace! Maybe they are perfect reminders of time in a bottle! Hope all is well. Thank you! Blessings.

Charles Messina September 18, 2025 at 3:40 AM This is so beautiful, Sam. I will gift it to my sweetheart on her upcoming birthday. Thanks for the help (lol) Best wishes in the contest! Hugs Charlie Sam Kauffman September 18, 2025 at 12:44 PM Oh Charlie, I am deeply touched by your note! Thank you! What a delight to know you will give this amazing perfume, with it's amazing story to your "sweetheart" for her birthday. It has long been one of my favorites and now knowing its story makes it even more special! Hope she enjoys it! Sending you blessings, my friend!

Krishika Upadhyay September 15, 2025 at 7:34 PM What a powerful and tender piece , the way a simple perfume bottle becomes a symbol of peace, healing, and rebirth is breathtaking. Every image rises from ashes into light, carrying both pain and hope. Truly a fragrance of resilience. Thank you for sharing this with us. ??? Sam Kauffman September 18, 2025 at 12:47 PM Greetings Krishika! So wonderful to find your beautiful and very perceptive feedback on this poem. Thank you. I have always loved this fragrance but knowing it's story and it's symbolism makes wearing it a reminder to be a dove of peace in our weary world. I hope all is well with you! Sending blessings.

Paige Hind September 11, 2025 at 5:57 PM Deep, with beautiful mystery- Sam Kauffman September 15, 2025 at 10:58 AM Thank you so much, Paige! It is a beautiful perfume with an inspiring message crafted in the design of the bottle. Blessings of fragrant grace to you!

sara Etgen-Baker September 11, 2025 at 5:21 PM beautiful imagery and a unique take on the contest. I especially liked the last verse. Best wishes with the contest. Sam Kauffman September 15, 2025 at 10:54 AM Thank you so much dear Sara! When I started writing this poem I focused on the scent inside the perfume bottle but then it occurred to me it was the perfume bottle itself that was the theme of the contest and I remembered the story of L'Air du Temps which made the fragrance I so love even more special - from war to the promises of peace and hope! Thank you for your best wishes! Sending you blessings on the perfume of grace!

Beryl Edmonds September 11, 2025 at 5:11 PM Lovely Sam, L’Air du Temp perfume, l love it. When I was young in my first office job a lady there wore that perfume, I thought it was beautiful. When my hubby and I went on our first holiday abroad, I bought that perfume duty free, loved it… Beryl Sam Kauffman September 15, 2025 at 10:47 AM Hi Beryl! Thank you! Like you I love this perfume. I first discovered it in high school at a local store that carried amazing perfumes. Love your story of L'Air du Temps! What delightfully delicious memories. I still wear this scent and now that I know the story of the two doves and what they symbolize it makes this scent even more special! Sending you blessings on airs of fragrant grace.