A Familiar Fragrance

By Vidhutma Singhania

I sigh

into the silence of the night,

bring my knees

close to my chest,

breathe in 

an absence,

only to be surprised 

by a familiar fragrance.

Eyelids shut forcefully 

to avoid

the fearful sight

of a room so empty.

Amidst the static quiet

I listen like I'm conscious.

Yet, I find

no trace of your sound.

You see

your love

is so remarkably 

seeped beneath my skin

between my bones,

that my lungs 

still, remember 

the softness of your presence,

like a familiar fragrance.

By Vidhutma Singhania