Aroma of a Past Love

 

A smell rises up from the steaming pavement
It is at once both repugnant and sweet
Evoking remembrances of you
Bittersweet memories cloud my mind
Melting today into yesterday

The myriad of aromas dance in the air
Visible as a hazy veil in the summer heat
Lending reality to the illusion
Of another time; another city
When we walked united beneath neon lights

Constantly reforming and swirling around
Like a chameleon through a changing landscape
Always familiar, yet never the same
Igniting emotions buried deep
Creating conflict within my soul

The pervasive odors of the city
Though constant; are never consistent
Pleasing to the senses in one breath
Unknown and frightening with the next
Reminding me of your love

Reviews

[Yvonne Heidt]

This is cool. You captured the "elusive" feelings of scent, excellently. I hate it when it comes, then I have memories only to find that I can't remember what it was that I was thinking of. Kind of like waking up from dream and not remembering it.

Beautiful job, as always. :)

[After Midnight]

I guess certain aromas can bring to mind a memory of a better time or place or someone we still can't get out of our thoughts, whether they be good or bad memories. Enjoyed reading your poem.
After Midnight.

[Blackbirdsong]

This piece has a wonderfully evocative quality. I love the descriptions of the aroma and how they float through the senses stirring up memories both good and bad. So many forget that memory isn't always visual, all the senses can be stirred at time or another by something which brings them back to that special person, special place or special moment in time.

A well done write. :)

[Spoken]

I really liked this. You've taken smell to a whole new level, capturing the sight and feel of it to convey a deep emotion. Very strong.

[Jacqueline]

This was vividly sentimental as I can picture you walking along the street closing your eyes every so often remembering things from the past. It's amazing how some of the everyday things (a crisp white shirt, a donut, a scent...) can bring back memories. I enjoyed reading this. Readers can relate.

[Imperfection]

Bittersweet memories cloud my mind
Melting today into yesterday

I can identify with this one.

The pervasive odors of the city
Though constant; are never consistent
Pleasing to the senses in one breath
Unknown and frightening with the next
Reminding me of your love

The last stanza is my favorite.
Brought a flood of memories to my mind.

Great poem.
Excellent flow to it.
Interesting title, as well.

[Nicole (Carpe Diem)]

great images you describe here -- great write :)

[Lydia Shutter]

There are many sparks in the world to evoke memories.....scent is indeed a strong one. When I smell Jergen's hand lotion, I am transported back to the kitchen in the house where I grew up and my mom is standing there with an apron on. Our lives do morph as a chameleon does....but previous shapes, sounds, aromas, always are there in the psyche. They rent space even when we try to evict them. Precious memories meld with acrid ones....weaving a tapestry of our lives. Beautifully poignant. Lydia

[C.m.v]

Your expression here is beautiful! You did an excellent job of creating a visual in such a incredibly original and descriptive way that is amazing. Kudos!

[T. L. O'Neal]

The sense of smell is probably the strongest sense when it comes to evoking memories and you captures it perfectly in this piece. T