Creosote

At first, the smell of creosote's quite pleasing,
teasing the senses.
With benches and fences freshly daubed,
absorbed by the wood, it's good.

But, soon, the smell is less appealing,
stealing indoors from floor to ceiling.

So you take a shower and, reeling,
throw away the coal tar soap and all hope
of your nostrils ever being free
of the creosote stench.

© Celia Warren 2014