The Scent of Memories

Some thoughts on how the brain triggers memories through the sense of smell....

Ever walked past someone or something,

And had the scent remind you of a sting?

A past memory flash of a time past song,

A set vision of a place or thing you long.

An aroma that triggers the minds reaction,

A moment of glimmer a past refraction?

An instance of pleasure like a scented rose,

Flashes of pictures held deep in mind rows.

At that moment you stood wishing to be,

Knowing that its just a lost dark memory.

Mind struggles in hope to turn back time,

But knowing the past was always our crime.

Reviews

[Lyn Anderson]

Scent is such a powerful trigger for memories. Mine is this weird baby powder scent one of my high school boyfriends used to wear. Drives me nuts, in a good way. Contrast that with a killer manly cologne and I am gone. My current partner likes "80's office girl scents" -- conversely, can't stand my last Ex's choice of colognes. Grandpa is black licorice and Grandma is black tea with milk and sugar. Dad is Old Spice and mom is apple pie and cinnamon. My auntie was Dove Soap, and being a teenage girl was Camay and Noxema, which I still buy it to this day. Hey, I don't know you, but I feel like I do. Thanks for the little memory adventure.

[Bohrium Guy]

Yep Yep...those damned scent's triggering our thoughts.

P.S. I have that effect on people... its my gift to the public. (I just feel like home)

Thanks for the review!

~Rob~

[Papaya]

Scents can so often trigger memories, good and bad. Very strong poem that reminds me of some of my own memories. I really like rhyming poetry too. Wonderful work.

[Bohrium Guy]

Thank you so much for your pleasant review. I really appreciate it.

~Rob~

[Papaya]

You're welcome :)

[barleygirl]

I am very much triggered by smells, whether it's love or just living in nature. You've done a good job of suggesting many possibilities that can be summoned by certain aromas. I especially love the final line, becuz nostalgia always seems to end on that hopeless note. We can never go back. So let's just sniff & imagine instead . . . *smile*

[Bohrium Guy]

Yea that is true for me 99% of the time. Just shampoo your hair with the right scent of Herbal Essence and you will have my stupified....

Thanks for the review

~Rob~

[barleygirl]

Oh yeah . . . herbal essence brings back some memories, as does old spice (((HUGS)))

[Valentine]

How true this is. Our senses are much more aware than we realize. Good smells and bad all seem to trigger the mind. Valentine

[Bohrium Guy]

Thanks for your review.

Take care my friend.

~Rob~

[Corset]

yeah, so often, words , old photos, songs especially , and smells for sure, in a sec you are transported in the minds eye...

[Bohrium Guy]

Yea I been doing it alot lately. However I have found its probably for the wrong reasons....

Thank you for your review and kind words.

~Rob~

[Corset]

sometimes cathartic , sometimes just knocks you on your arse, most welcome thank you for visiting with me.

[Bohrium Guy]

Always a pleasure... Oh wait maybe its duality... Its all good. :)

[Corset]

lol, like that phrase "always a pleasure" brings to mind Beetlejuice, lol...all good

[Bohrium Guy]

Well alrighty then!!!! Beetlejuice...Beetlejuice...........BEETLEJUICE!!!!

[Corset]

Gulp, you..didn't...

[Jade]

this is really awesome , loved the last stanza

[Bohrium Guy]

Thank you for the review and kind words...

~Rob~

[1VJ]

I can relate to this in good scents and not so great. The sense of smell is the closest linked with memories, happens all too often, well spoken.

[Bohrium Guy]

Thanks for the review.

Have a awesome day!!!

~Rob~

[1VJ]

My pleasure, nice to meet you and same to you too!

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh yes, a smell, a taste, a sound....they can all trigger memories and sometimes the memories are not so pleasant. Good write. Lydi**

[Bohrium Guy]

Thank you so much for your kind words and review... Also know that I remember you from long ago. It's nice to see you again...

~Rob~ AKA Dostani

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks, Rob.

[Deep]

'But knowing the past was always our crime', beautiful line
fabulous writing
Ah, while reading the scent of that past crime tries to rise and I let them simply knowing that will give pain.
Wonderful write!

[Bohrium Guy]

Thanks you for the kind words and review.

~Rob~

[Coyote Poetry]

I do the below lines often.
"An aroma that triggers the minds reaction,
A moment of glimmer a past refraction?
An instance of pleasure like a scented rose,
Flashes of pictures held deep in mind rows."
Memories can come back with old places and song. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Bohrium Guy]

Yea I think a lot of people can and do...

Thanks for the review!

~Rob~

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Rob.