Smells like India - June 17, 2026

yesterday's odor

reminded me of Delhi

where we went out early

exploring the city on sidewalks

pointed away from the hotel

walked by belching cars and

coughing busses, through the

cooking smoke of curbside fires,

the poor stirring something

in their pots with hands

hovering to stay warm

I remember nearly stepping

into a manhole without its cover

on the way back

in dim light and no cones

tape or barrier of warning

I took in a huge smoky

sigh of relief

so you see

one can be grateful

for only a distant forest fire