Olfactory Nerve

in the stairwell
she caught a whiff
of oil of olay and
late summer roses --
olfaction
and memories
of her grandmother.

with child's eyes
she noticed the weathered skin
and softness of body and muscle
as she was caressed and hugged -

the purse that was well-stocked
with wrigley's doublemint gum.

and in all this closeness
love still felt very far away.