Cologne Poem by David Saltaire

My cologne
smells of
dried gum
automobile exhaust
and wet asphalt
clipped grass
jasmine and rosemary
candywrappers
pigeon feathers
and cigarettes.
Inhale the city's
essence
and I'm there

Even though you
launder that shirt
you lent me
even though you
scrub your sheets
burn cleansing sage
in your room
and sprinkle vinegar
on the cooled tiles,

Our linkup can't be broken
not by soap
or prayers, not by rituals
not even by death…

Not even by exploding suns.

Suspended in the air
my cologne will linger
recalling you
to the streets
and you will find yourself
staring out of your window
trying to pick me out
of the indifferent crowd.

My cologne
swirling with pungent and sweet
will hold my place
it will follow into your dreams
you will reach for my hand
in your sleep…

I know you will.