Grasping For Air

When a chemically sensitive person reacts to, a very strong scent.

I can smell you

A mile away

With your overdose

Of cologne

Or aftershave.

 

As my breath

Is rudely taken away

By your toxic

And obnoxious smell.

 

What were you thinking

When you bathed

In this?

 

A little dab

Is good

But a large amount

Is even better?

 

I wish

You could smell

As I do.

 

Wanting to reach

For the nearest gas mask

To protect my poor abused lungs

From you.

 

As I fight

To get my breath

Like a fish

Out of water.

 

Reaching for my puffer

After you walk by

In your own dreamworld.

 

Oblivious

To your scent

And other's reaction

To you.

Author's Note

Originally written, October 23, 2014.

Was waiting, to use a library computer, when he walked by, with his revolting smell.