I Could Have Poem by Dilip Mohapatra

I could have sprayed the room
with a strong deodorant
to drown your scent that lingered
but you continued to
reside in my breath
and the traces couldn't be subdued.

I could have put on my darkest glasses
to block and blind my vision
so that I see you no more
but you left behind your shadow
that continued to taunt me
to no end.

I could have put on my
noise neutralising ear muffs
to cut off your distant voice
torturing me relentlessly
but my ears continue
to fall prey to
your ultrasonics assault.

I could have bitten a quince
to mask the residues of
the sweet taste of your mouth
left in mine
which has gone rancid
yet it stays with an obstinate
persistence.

I could have slammed the door
on your face long ago
but I chose to stoop down to pick up
your porcelain promises
lying scattered on the floor
and try to glue them back together
but then I realise
that you perhaps are
the smarter between us
and who had already
shown me the door.

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