We who with songs beguile your pilgrimage / And swear that Beauty lives though lilies die, / We Poets of the proud old lineage / Who sing to find your hearts, we know not why ... (James Elroy Flecker)

5.9.25

Black Flower Perfume

 

…but it’s written in French, which

always sounds sweeter, more romantic: 

musical, flowing, soft … mellifluous!


‘Fleur Noir’ it says. The bottle

is bold, black, rectangular; uncompromising

and elegant, lettered in gold.


I used to wear Taboo, or Musk.

When younger, Tweed. When mature, Poison.

The heavy scents of amour.


This new one seduced me at once –

the aroma just as enticing, but subtler, 

more mysterious, hinting at magic.


Each morning after my shower, I spray

behind my ears, as all young girls are taught,

and my pulse points, as women know.


Then I add an extravagant swirl through my aura, 

and a touch on my upper lip, to breathe it in all day.

At last, I am my own lover. I wear it for me. 



















Sharing with Poets and Storytellers United at Friday Writings #193: Tell Me Something Good. 


Written as part of an occasional series called Moments in My Days, which began in response to a photo prompt from a facebook group I'm in; then I decided to add some verses, and to continue this theme here indefinitely (sporadically) .




30 comments:

  1. behind my ears, as all young girls are taught, / and my pulse points, as women know.... that made me nod and smile!!! Read 'amour' as armour twice... Freud might have a thing or two to say about that! :) :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *Grin.*Thanks, I think I'll italicise it, as you probably won't be the only one.

      Delete
  2. Sorry, Rosemary, Please don't perfume when I come. I get an immediate headache to be near perfume. I get up if someone sits me near with it also. Sorry, it is a wonderful poem.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always have to leave perfume off when my son comes to visit, too, even natural oils. He's allergic to it all. Glad you liked the poem anyway. Thanks.

      Delete
  3. How delicious and intoxicating - I'm glad you have found the right scent for now - black and gold are magical colours - Jae

    ReplyDelete
  4. The writing is meticulous and the fragrance transitions what many good witches have carried in their travel bag of tricks as they journey through life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh thank you. I think I'll be basking in that word, meticulous, for some time to come!

      Delete
  5. Ah! I can smell it now virtually! Perfume is a wonderful thing. Good one, Rosemary!

    ReplyDelete
  6. First rule: do it for yourself. Those who matter will tail along.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh love this and Love "extravagant swirl through my aura" . You sold it to me I came to love it by your words alone.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Picking out my scent of the day has become one of my favorite indulgences too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So you have a few to choose from? A sweet indulgence indeed!

      Delete
  9. The air has become fragrance full

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is a lovely poem. Roberta

    ReplyDelete
  11. Mere words cannot express how much I LOVE your poem! I, too, have worn Poison, Musk and Taboo! I once tippy-toed into the 'land of masculine' and wore Grey Flannel! I can visualize you, dear lady, spritzing yourself after showering, with a devil may care grin on your face. Brava!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, what a delightful comment! And how thrilled yet unsurprised I am to know we have similar tastes in perfumes (as in so much else).

      Delete
  12. Sweet poem. I like perfume but seldom wear it because so many people are hypersensitive to it these days.

    PK

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I too have to be careful with it when I mix with other people, for that very reason. All the more incentive to wear it around the house, just for me.

      Delete
  13. Good perfumery should be taught in school! 😁

    ReplyDelete
  14. Fragrance & casting the spell to bewitch and be bewitched!
    The ending speaks of self-love!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Finding that magical scent is exciting. I apply it as you do. It is called
    Flower Bomb. Great poem!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had a quick Google of Flower Bomb. Sounds very interesting. I'm pretty sure I would choose the Tiger Lily variety.

      Delete

DON'T PANIC IF YOUR COMMENTS DON'T POST IMMEDIATELY. They are awaiting moderation. Please allow for possible time difference; I am in Australia. ALSO, IF YOU ARE FORCED TO COMMENT ANONYMOUSLY – do add your name at the end, so I know it's you!