Scent

for Afsar

When you go to see God,

you need to wear a scent.

You need some attar

for Friday prayers

at the mosque, you need

a mallipoo garland

tucked into a bun of hair

when you announce

your arrival

to the deity of the temple.

We forget easily

how we need a scent

to startle security

and certainty

when a beloved

grazes past,

their notes of saffron

mixed with oud,

outrageous

but unmistakable perfume.

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image: Srujan Raj