March 1, 2020
Much has been written recently about “being present in the moment.” Part of that skill and attitude is being aware of our five senses.
This week’s sense is “smell.” They say that an odor has the potential to bring back strong memories and associations. Below is a lovely poem by Jane Merchant.
Scent of Childhood
Dad was the scent of hayfields in the sun.
The faintest drifting fragrances of clover
Undo for me all that the years have done.
While they remain, my childhood is not over.
Dad is beside me, brown as earth, and good
As clear, cool water on a thirsty day,
And all I have experienced and withstood
Is gone, at any whiff of new-mown hay.
And Mother was the smell of new bread, browned
To crusty, crisp perfection. There may be
Some folk whose childhood, lost is never found,
But mine remains immediate to me,
For always all the years between have fled
At scent of new-mown hay, and new-made bread.
