Fragrances of Life (A Writing Prompt)
Have you ever thought what anger smells like? Perhaps the the burning rubber of spinning wheels? Pungent smoke attacking the nose. A lingering cloud that fades too slowly.
And what about love? Maybe lofty lavender a scent of summer and warmth? A soft touch that offers protection against mosquitoes ready to attack.
I remember mint sauce with Sunday lunch. Mint leaves dipped in vinegar and a touch of sugar. The aroma was fresh and sharp and cool and sweet. And alive. Full of verve and energy.
Have you ever rubbed rosemary leaves between your finger? Experienced the scent of relaxation? Closed your eyes and imagined you were seduced by the warm sea breeze inviting you to a siesta. Hearing lazy waves lap against a Mediterranean shore?
What is the smell of remorse? Is it the mild aroma of burning wax? A scent that lasts as long as the candle burns, and can never be brought back?
Is the smell of dank sweat on unwashed cotton the smell of rejection? Or fatigue? Or apathy?
Can you smell hate? And fear and tyranny? Do you know the smell of death?
Does rubbing oil seeped in rose petals remind you of seduction? Or is it the scent of bitter chocolate rich and raw and rewarding?
Can you sense passion in the steamy warmth of curry? Or is it the scent of the fruit of the same name? Can you lust through your nose? Is that enough?
Have you ever experienced the fragrance of forgotten? Can you remember what it is?
The next time you take a walk, in the city, suburbs or countryside, focus on the aromas around you. Do they speak to you? What stories do they tell? Perhaps you can jot me a line and let me know?
This blog is the eighteenth in a series of 30 leading up to my sixtieth birthday. Thanks for getting this far. Please consider subscribing to my blog to keep up to date with my posts.
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Stephen Buttigieg - Words 