Don't Pollute the Air, Please!

I took my kids on a neighborhood

Christmas lights–watching walk.

It was festive and free

good and fun, sure.

But,

the air quality was not nice.

No, not smoggy like

poor Delhi,

capital of homeland India,

yet it was bad.

I smelled sandalwood fresheners.

It does not matter how fragrant,

a chemical scent is

for the ancient immune system

that protects us, a threat.

These are irritants which inflame.

Inflammation, when unnecessary,

is root of all health issues.

I am a researcher and I am aware,

so, I feel angry.

My body and your body

are made to thrive in fresh air—

78% nitrogen and 20% oxygen,

no chemical, man-made scents.

I can stay away from

preservatives and cosmetics.

But can I stay away

from these chemical scents?

My poor little kids, with life ahead,

are inhaling that poison too,

so please beware.

We have one planet,

we share the same air,

your mistake is my problem too,

your ignorance is making me sick too.

Please understand this issue,

it is criminal to poison fresh air.

I will keep raising awareness,

for it's risk to all of us.