The earliest of smells so distant in time
My mother’s cheek as it lay next to mine.
As I grew it remained, to love care and tend
I turned to her smell when I needed to mend.
A jam jar of water with petals thrown in
The smell of a pomegranate I’d eat with a pin
A table of baking just freshly made,
Bread from the oven, on a rack it was laid.
New shoes and a satchel, these smells I’d inhale
Desks with their inkwells and books are unveiled.
The swimming bath’s smells of excitement and fear
Then warm wafts of cabbage as it blows and comes near.
The wood-smoke of bonfires, the wetness of leaves
Hot-dogs and onions, the senses are teased
Fairground attractions excite without care
Candyfloss and toffee apples filling the air.
Mystical incense in rituals performed
Sweet fruity garlands of marigolds adorn
Frankincense; myrrh and mango’s so ripe
Mmm…the hubbly bubbly of a shisha clay pipe.
The perfume of lavender, rose and sweet pea
The essence of spices awakening me.
Aware of the changes from the child I have been
Now Brut and Old Spice, the bouquet of dreams.
My lover’s cheek as it lay next to mine
His soft scented card sent with amorous rhyme
The posy of carnations I smell all the while
As I walk to my husband down a long marbled aisle.
Ambrosial smells now, of a love so divine
When my babies’ cheeks are laid next to mine.
As they grow it remains to love, care and tend,
They turn to my smell when they are needing to mend.
© 2024 Lillian Bradbury.
“Scents of Remembrance” is a beautifully crafted poem that explores the evolution of life through our sense of smell. The verses take us on an aromatic journey from childhood to adulthood, beginning with the comforting scent of a mother’s cheek and progressing through various life stages. Each stanza captures precious moments – from the sweet smell of pomegranates and freshly baked bread to the distinctive aromas of school days with inkwells and swimming pools. The poem culminates in a touching full circle, where the narrator becomes a mother herself, providing that same comforting scent to her own children.
Welcome to my World is a delightful collection of short stories and poems by Yorkshire author Lillian Bradbury, showcasing her talent for capturing life’s moments through both whimsical and thought-provoking pieces. As a member of the Wordbotherers writing group based in the picturesque town of Pickering, Lillian brings a distinctly Yorkshire perspective to her work, weaving together tales and verses that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.
