Incense Sticks

‘I couldn’t find your scent to steal’, said the note from a woman who wanted to date you

I said, ‘She’s right, it’s intoxicating’ while simultaneously wondering why would she want to take it while parting ways with you

I wondered what I would do when the time comes for me to leave you

I wonder what else I would write in a note that says ‘I’ll remember you’.

I wave goodbye at you that day, not knowing that it will be the last time I would see you,

That it would be the last day I would breathe you.

I opened my door the next morning only to realize that my neighbour lights an incense stick that carries your scent,

Only to realize that every morning when I greet her, I will lament.

One morning she greets me with a plate full of hearty breakfast to remind me of your smile.

The next morning she knocks on my door to borrow a book from my library and reminds me of your eyes.

Another day she lights incense stick and invites me for a coffee later

And I remember it was exactly one week ago that I had written you a heartfelt letter.

Days go by and mornings pass by,

I talk to her every morning only to greet you.

One morning I wake up to realize that I have run out of memories that make me remember you

But I wait for my neighbour to take me to you

And she knocks on my door telling me that morning

She has finally exhausted the incense sticks,

Making me realize that it’s time for me to stop ruminating over you.