How Did You Know?

"I don't think I can concentrate a moment longer," I growled, pushing myself away from the table and standing up. I wished I could go for a run, but being blind made that an impossibility now. Restlessly I paced back and forth, trying to clear my thoughts. I could almost feel Dianna's eyes following my movements.

Maybe a short walk will help I told myself and I reached for my jacket. the fall weather was getting cooler by the day, and I could literally hear the leaves being shed by the massive trees around my house and around the campus. If I concentrated enough I could hear them drifting through the air and settle with a faint scrape on the sidewalk.

Dianna matched my pace as we headed towards the center of the town. I could smell wood smoke from a few houses. gradually a new, yet familiar scent mixed with the smell of burning wood.

"Hi Chris," I said and turned my head slightly and pausing in my walk.

"How did you know I was here?" Chris asked clearly puzzled.

"I could smell your cologne." I smirked at his silence.

"Is it to much?" he asked, and he brushed my arm just above the elbow to let me know where he was.

"Actually it smells very nice. Sandalwood?" I asked.

Chris laughed, "Yeah."

I grinned in his direction, "But it's not just Sandalwood," I went on, "several men wear sandalwood. There is something else there that makes your scent you." I paused to consider what it was. I could feel my brow furrowing in thought. I couldn't quite grasp it.

Blushing, I turned towards Chris, "would you mind terribly if I gave you a hug?"

The surprised silence lasted a moment or two before I felt myself drawn forward into a gentle embrace. I tucked my head into the curve of his neck and my arms went around his chest.

Inhaling deeply, the most prominent scent was that of sandalwood, just as I knew it would be. I could also smell leather, that had to be his jacket, and something spicy like an echo of cinnamon. I could also smell lavender, but only a suggestion of it, as if his clothes were washed in it, and the faintest trace of sweat as if he had worked out earlier in the day.

I took in his scent one more time before loosening my embrace and stepping back. I could feel my face heating up. I knew he was staring at me expectantly.

"Well?" he asked. I could hear a grin in his voice.

I blushed again. "Sandalwood, leather, cinnamon, lavender, and," I hesitated.

"And," he prompted. I felt his fingers brush a lock of hair out of my face.

"And a little bit of sweat," I mumbled quickly.

"I'm sorry," Chris laughed out loud, "I missed that."

"Nothing," I muttered and clicked my tongue at Dianna, signaling her that I was ready to walk. I could feel my face practically glowing with embarrassment. I can't believe I did that I thought to myself.

"Wait," Chris called and I could hear him hurrying to catch up to me. "Wait, Sarah. Don't go." I felt a slight pressure on my arm again, letting me know he was right there.

"I'm sorry Chris," I said and I slowed my pace.

"For what?" Chris asked.

Actually I wasn't sure what I was sorry about, only that I was embarrassed.

"Look," Chris said, and gently pulled me to a stop, "if I promise not to laugh will you tell me what else you could smell? I'm rather curious."

I bit my lip, debating on weather it would offend him or not. Finally I felt myself sigh in resignation, "I could smell sweat," I said. "But only a faint trace, as if you had worked out earlier today or yesterday," I added quickly.

"Hm," Chris hummed thoughtfully, "you know you are right," he said. "I worked out late last night."

"I didn't mean it in a bad way," I said, trying to get him to understand, "I like the way you smell."

"And I like the way you smell too," Chris said, and I could hear him grinning again.

I smiled in his direction and clicked to Dianna and the three of us moved on.

Hearing

I would hear as you hear,
See it through your eyes.
I would feel as you do
And win myself the prize.

I cannot hear as you do
You hear me not at all.
I would beckon to your heart
If you would but heed my call.

Fain, I would lose the sounds
That come by night and day.
And never more hear bird or song
If with you I could stay.

Hidden Love by Sara Teasdale

I hid the love within my heart,
And lit the laughter in my eyes,
That when we meet he may not know
My love that never dies.

But sometimes when he dreams at night
Of fragrant forests green and dim,
It may be that my love crept out
And brought the dream to him.

And sometimes when his heart is sick
And suddenly grows well again,
It may be that my love was there
To free his life of pain.

Dance

We dance across the moonlit floor;
Our arms, hands, and bodies one.
I follow in the path you trace,
You show me how it's done.

I smile at every misplaced step.
Patiently you lead me round.
Though I can feel the earth below,
My steps have left the ground.

Elixir

When I ponder on the days I had
I know not what to think.
Your love was an elixir
That I would deeply drink.

Oh, I knew not what that potion was.
Truth, or lust, or lies?
All I know is from that cup
My heart grew sad but wise.

Bloom

I loved you then, when year was young,
And all was green and new.

I loved you still, as days were long,
And nights were brief and few.

I continued to love you in the chill
Of winters darkest gloom.

But when the spring had come again;
My love, it did not bloom.

Where are you now?

I could feel the sunshine's warmth
From your golden smile
I could breathe the clearest air
I Could walk with you for miles

Where are you now?

Your tender arms surround me
Kept me safe all through the night
And when the dawn awoke me
You were always in my sight

Where are you now?

Your kisses breathed life into my soul,
Taught me how to live.
Everything I had was yours
All that I could give.

Where are you now?