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IF WISDOM HAD A SMELL (A POEM)

If wisdom had a smell It would smell of old books Passed down from generation to generation Revealing the truths about the enigma called time. The truths which cannot be purchased Even by the highest bidder. That smell that unveils the arduous work of writers Known and unknown. That smell that reveals family trees of readers Seen and unseen. That smell that conquers ignorance Once knowledge is sought. If wisdom had a smell It would smell like an old, well-read copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin Revealing the evil behind the thoughts and actions of slavery. That smell that encompasses sacrifice. That smell that brings words and characters to life. That smell that raises positive movements that will In time, save humankind. If wisdom had a smell It would smell of old wrappers Worn by mothers and even fathers, Instinctively used to wipe the tears Of their children away, Used with love to cover them from the rain or sun. Oh, the smell of that long piece of fabric With drawings of horses, stars,...
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IF WISDOM HAD A SMELL (A POEM)


If wisdom had a smell

It would smell of old books

Passed down from generation to generation

Revealing the truths about the enigma called time.

The truths which cannot be purchased

Even by the highest bidder.

That smell that unveils the arduous work of writers

Known and unknown.

That smell that reveals family trees of readers

Seen and unseen.

That smell that conquers ignorance

Once knowledge is sought.


If wisdom had a smell

It would smell like an old, well-read copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin

Revealing the evil behind the thoughts and actions of slavery.

That smell that encompasses sacrifice.

That smell that brings words and characters to life.

That smell that raises positive movements that will

In time, save humankind.


If wisdom had a smell

It would smell of old wrappers

Worn by mothers and even fathers,

Instinctively used to wipe the tears

Of their children away,

Used with love to cover them from the rain or sun.

Oh, the smell of that long piece of fabric

With drawings of horses, stars,

Patterns highlighting the grind and beautiful creations

Of craftsmen and women.

It brings comfort to a child well-positioned on the mother's back,

Be it Iro, George, Ntorika, or Ankara,

Depicting our rich cultural heritage.


If wisdom had a smell

It would smell like my late grandmother's kitchen

Occupied by spices that only the elderly could fathom.

A kitchen full of life,

Revealing years of cooking and nurturing generations

A meal at a time.

It would smell of the memories of her passion,

Love, and discomfort, dancing and bouncing off the walls.

That smell that would escape into the veranda

Giving a rich scent to our home.

That smell that would motivate even the faintest of hearts

To accomplish a meaningful goal.


Oh, if wisdom had a smell

It would smell of the earth when it rains

Or the fields at dawn

Or the salty air of the oceans at night

Or the water from a coconut

Or a neonate

Or the delicious aroma of bay leaves

Or an alluring well-tended garden

Or a sparking burning wood.

Oh, if wisdom had a smell,

It would smell of Peace.


Written by:

Emmawad

Nifemi Brown

Diana O.

Gordon W.

Comments

  1. Anonymous12 September 2025 at 05:09

    Let us remember that the old can often be valuable. This is a beautifully well-written poem.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous12 September 2025 at 05:16

    The poem really made me feel what wisdom could smell like it could smell like peace and happiness passed down from generation to generation

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous12 September 2025 at 07:45

    I love this. I didn’t want it to come to an end. If wisdom had a smell it would smell like true friendship seasoned with the richness of time…

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. EMMAWAD12 September 2025 at 16:42

      That's a beautiful addition to the poem. It really can go on and on...

      Delete
  4. Anonymous12 September 2025 at 08:06

    I think I can actually smell old books now after reading this

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous12 September 2025 at 09:12

    Not in a million years would such a thought cross me mind! Need to be wise after reading this, appreciating the sense of smell too!

    ReplyDelete

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