ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Aromas of the Past

It is largely sense of smell that takes me back to childhood days,
and those summer holidays on Grandpa’s farm.
This has stuck with me for decades and transports me to a time
when the simplest things were guaranteed to charm.
Like the woody scent of sawdust as the dust motes filled the air
when I learned about the tools in Grandpa’s shed
as he whiled away the hours in his private little realm
just to tinker or repair, with kit outspread.

On the farm were loads of cows - oh, how I loved their soulful eyes,
(though the odour of their pats would truly reek!)
The distinctive whiff of border collies, ducks and noisy geese,
woolly sheep within the paddock by the creek.
Those uneasy mothers watched their offspring blithely jump about
just in case they courted danger as they pranced,
but the lambs were free of care and overwhelmed with youthful joy
while exploring their surroundings as they danced.

I can still invoke the fresh-cut verdant grass beneath my feet,
and the jacaranda’s faintly sweet perfume,
whilst the fragrant roses planted in my Grandma’s special spot
seemed to permeate the house from every room.
I remember how concerned he was whenever Grandpa sensed
an impending storm - the earthy smell of rain.
How the rumbles in the heavens and a distant lightning flash
signalled time to house the animals again.

Then we’d gather in the kitchen and the freshly baking scones
would ensure our mouths all watered instantly.
We’d impatiently observe as cream and jam were placed about,
then enjoy those treats with steaming cups of tea.
There are many more such scents that take me back to childhood days
with a force that can be tricky to explain,
for those simple joys to me are far beyond all earthly price,
and until this day, have power to sustain.

© Catherine Lee, November 2024

Hi Catherine
I remember all those things as well even after all these years, and you have brought them back to life again with your poem.
Perhaps we were lucky to have grown up in the era that we did, for I sense we have lost something precious these days.
But I suspect every generation probably say the same thing.

Terry

Continually descriptive writing.
You evoke clear images that target all the senses... smell, sound and taste.. imagination... as well as having lovely sentimental and other emotive appeal dotted throughout. Copyright Nov 2024 suggests it is writing that you have been able to put down in fairly short order (I may be wrong here) which is a credit, and is also reflective of your writing skill. Good work again, Catherine.

Yes well done Catherine, as with Terry's poem, so much I can relate to in yours.
In particular our old Nan cooking in the farmhouse on the old fuel stove, and what beautiful aromas and tastes came out of that Kitchen!
I agree with Terry that were lucky growing up in the era we did, although they were hard times in many ways it did seem more easygoing.
Loved the read.
Cheers
Ron.

Thank you all so much for your warm feedback…. Terry and Ron, it is clear we are on the same page with how we feel about the era in which we grew up, and yes, it’s amazing how the sense of smell is always particularly strong in its power to evoke special memories. …Gary, your comment about the date is most perceptive - thank you. It has been a stressful time with various unexpected paperwork issues relating to our move, the digital age proving to be nothing like what it’s cracked up to be for its so-called efficiency, and speaking to a real person becoming increasingly difficult even just to change an address – it drives me crackers! … However, we leave on Monday and hopefully the worst of this rubbish is behind us! Thank you all once again – it has been such a welcome break for me today to sit down and read your comments, and I know I've said it before, but I really do appreciate you all so much! Best wishes, Catherine

It is definitely good writing Catherine. Absolutely.

And all the best with your move into retirement.. and getting the paperwork successfully through channels, finally. It will happen, of course.
But please remember not to be tempted to lift things or move heavier stuff as backs are more delicate than you think. Then again, you likely know all that quite well, so I shouldn't lecture, should I? My instruction for you is to stand well back and let others do it!

Then instead, you can get the champagne and glasses and cheeses ready to celebrate the conclusion of it all... and later perhaps be able to enjoy the company of friends at Christmas. I look forward keenly (as many others here do too I'm sure) to reading LOTS of your wonderful verse in the New Year. Gary

Ah, thank you so much once again, Gary - on all counts! I will indeed watch my back, to coin a phrase.... And as far as Champagne and cheeses go, I can assure you I'm always there with bells on, ha! ...Thanks for the smiles today, the warm wishes, and of course, the always welcome encouragement in regard to my verse!

Oh, this is just beautiful, Catherine! What a great perspective to treat the theme from the perspective of the sense of smell.

Like the others have said, it is so often a wafting aroma that can transport us to the past (even if it is a cowpat!!)

Cheers
Shelley

Thank you so much, Shelley! Yes, it's amazing how powerful our sense of smell can really be - sometimes hitting us right out of the blue and carrying us right back to something we'd almost forgotten.