not surprised

Sometimes now when I sleep alone 

I get a whiff of myself 

and wonder
    all these years
    is this 

the odor familiar to you 

if so did you really like it
    doesn't 

seem so nice
    you're unusually non- 

sweaty for such an active man
    but slightly 

sweet when I hug you
    nowadays 

(or you me)
    or put my head on your 

pillow in our bed     I know it's you 

a delicate odor of woodsmoke
    and I breathe 

you in a little
    not surprised 

I remember you were always delicious 

 

[Grace Paley {1922-2007} 'Sometimes now when I sleep alone' from Fidelity]