Grandpa's Bottle

Sitting on                                                                                                                                             the counter,

the clear liquid enticing me to remove the lid;

how could clearness possibly produce any smell?

My small hands unscrew the cap.

Falling: my hands grip the bottle

before it hits the granite floors.

Stinging: I cry out,

but not enough for anyone else

to hear.

I set the bottle on the kitchen counter;

make my way to the restroom.

The stinging stops as I reach for the faucet;

my hands now feel calm.

What is in this magic bottle

that makes my hands

feel both hot and cold?