the smell of a rose
I thought
it’s supposed to be sweet
an aroma that lifts
and reminds you
of better days
it’s supposed to be sweet
they said
but that pungency pervades
and invades
and creeps into the nose
like an illusive horn
I thought
it’s supposed to be warm
coating you in tenderness
that restores you
on your worst days
it’s supposed to be warm
they said
but it’s the heat of one thousand
and one that swelters
and sears and festers
and burns all I hold dear
What they told me was wrong
I know it is
that protective warmth
I know it is
that sweet smell
And I know it’s not as they told me.
ABOUT DAN
Daniel Rubino is a student in Holy Family University’s School of Education, majoring in English Secondary Education and graduating in 2024. Using this degree, he aims to teach English at a high school level. In his free time, Daniel enjoys reading and writing, as well as playing music. He recently discovered a passion for writing poetry. He is inspired to write by topics such as love, interpersonal relationships, and questioning societal norms.