Chambers

Not deep beneath the surface of the earth

holding gems the dwarfs  mine, treasures

but tall bookcases

and smells.

The smell of leather

older

the smell of deep carpet

the smell we attached to the watercooler and the plastic cups

the smell, of multicoloured Smarties in a wooden bowl

on his desk

the smell of porcelain dolls

neatly preserved with matching shoes and hats

taken out, cautiously,

scented with books and museum curate awe

on our long awaited Sunday visits.

to Pritchard Street.