I Hate The Smell

by niallkillian

I hate the smell of hospitals
lemon bleach and sterile funk
base notes of stale vomit and
top notes of lingering death

Fresh-mopped vinyl flooring
in hues of green and pink
gives way to glass and tiles
the chill of stainless steel

People keep their heads down
try not to make eye contact
unsure what you are here for
just in case it’s sadness

I hate the smell of hospitals