h'work w/e 12.2.18 - ESSENCE

[Maureen K Clifford]

ESSENCE ... Maureen Clifford © The #ScribblyBark Poet


The jasmine is in bloom this year, its flowers creamy white
it scrambles 'cross the picket fence and scents the humid night,
and winds up through the branches of the old magnolia tree
I recall my mother's perfume. How I love that memory.

Reflections on a window pane that's festooned with a web
that the golden orb spider has made, memories of a deb
in white satin and lace with silver shoes and bouffant hair ...
so many years have passed since her reflection I saw there.

The city is encroaching on the waving fields of wheat
with their plumed heads nodding nonchalant and heavy in the heat.
City lights at night are casting on the sky an eerie glow
from the neons and the streetlights - soon this field of wheat will go

I have heated up a little milk from our old Jersey cow
and have sweetened it with honey and I sprinkle nutmeg now
on the top - the scent of nutmeg seems to pervade all the room
and the solitary candle lit tries to dispel the gloom.

If God granted me three wishes well I know what they would be ...
to sit with Mum and Dad once more 'neath that magnolia tree
in the evening when the Jasmine blooms and shares her sweet perfume ...
and once more I smell Mum's perfume drifting faint around the room.

I would wish that all the dogs were there all laying at our feet,
for each one was dearly loved and without them life's incomplete.
But they rest beneath the red dirt now, though in my heart do dwell
and each one was a good dog and to each we said farewell.

And my third wish, sitting here inside the house where I was born,
is for strength to leave and make a life away - for I am torn
with regret, heartache and unknown fears for this journey I take
and I won't return. I cannot. For I know my heart would break.

The jasmine is in bloom this year, its flowers creamy white
it scrambles 'cross the picket fence and scents the humid night,
and winds up through the branches of the old magnolia tree.
I will leave this house tomorrow but retain its memory.

30/1/18

[vwalla]

Maureen
I love this. My favourite poem is Helen Deutsch's "The White Magnolia Tree"
Strange how this special bloom brings out the sentimental side in a lot of us.
cheers
Val W

[Shelley Hansen]

So many memories, Maureen. It’s funny but for me it is always the sense of smell that brings back the most vivid recollections!

I know that poem well, Val. I used to have a recording of Dame Enid Lorimer reciting “The White Magnolia Tree”. My Mum would costume up and recite it at family gatherings while I played the piano accompaniment. These days Mum is gone, but with my grey hair I now recite it ... but there is no one to play the piano for me!

Cheers
Shelley

[David Campbell]

Very evocative, Maureen!

Cheers
David

[Catherine Lee]

Yes indeed, Maureen - a lovely poem painting a very clear picture whilst evoking those special scents

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thank you all for your lovely comments - they are much appreciated

[Terry]

Hi Maureen

Your poem brought back memories of long ago.
Reminding me of my Grandmother's house; she used to have a 'Black eyed Susie,
that sprawled over a post and railing on the veranda, and was magic when in full bloom.

So thanks for reviving those memories with your lovely poem.

Terry

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thank you Terry - what a lovely memory of your Gran to hold close - I am delighted that my scribbles reminded you of it