Delilah Took My Breath Away

by Oyindamola Shoola

Yesterday
and even today,
I stalked and stared for when she'll pass
saying to my cat, "No one compares."


The clock in my room hisses its teeth
and my thinning slippers bite my feet
but what is time without sight of her face?
And what is purpose when I desire her gaze?


Today I swear, I must speak to her
this neighbor of mine named Delilah.
When I smell her perfume,
I run out of my room.


Giggling like a tickled child,
I hurried unto her side.
As Delilah began to speak,
my lungs too began to ache.


It used to be Delilah's presence
and her Gucci-like fragrance
but the stench of her mouth today,
took my breath away.