It started with the scent of jasmine
and before I even knew the source
just like that I was seduced
then once I turned and saw her
sight and smell forever linked
together they made me bold
Time strengthened our memory-smell bond
half-empty glasses of Cab on the nightstand
her own unique scent blended with my own
the comforting whiffs of daybreak
Golden Retriever breath alarm clock
first sharp hiss of French roast
Our lives connected at every turn
through the sensory richness
of travel and changing seasons
hot cider and fall leaves burning
popcorn at our favorite indie movie house
cherry blossoms in Kyoto in April
Today I can’t recall small things
like her favorite colors or the names of her crazy friends
but even months later
still scattered about my life and my home
her lingering scent controls my attention
I can’t get it off of me
~ J. D. Mackenzie
(inspired by NaPoWriMo prompt for Day #16 from Julie Jordan Scott, the art of writing from the sense of smell)
Oh I love this poem for so many reasons.
ReplyDeleteParticularly because of the simplicity,directness,humour,easy flow,and imagery.Was a pleasure to read this. Thanks
BEAUTiful! So many great lines, but really loved "time strengthened our memory-spell bond" and the way you captured memories through all the scents. Thanks also for your kind comments on my blog--much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteJDM,
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful poem so full of images.
Pamela
That first stanza is my favorite, especially the line about jasmine. I felt invited inside of the poem.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiuful JDM, mapping a relationship through smells. So tenderly written.
ReplyDeleteI love the beauty I see in this
ReplyDeletewonderful detail in this!
ReplyDelete