A Sensory Explosion

Strange odors drift under my nose

fruity, salty, spicy, greasy –

creating both yearning and revulsion.

Cacophonous noise echoes around me

friends laugh, babies cry, grandma yells

shall I focus on them, or plug my ears?

Toddler bounces on my bench,

football player stamps the floor,

my table, drink and pen shake.

Star-spangled shorts, ribbon-ed dreads,

batman t-shirt, man-bun, sparkly pink shoes

shall I watch or shall I write?

I give up.

Fried rice mixes with acai blueberry water

on my tongue.

I taste fruit, salt, spice and grease, and I smile.