Favorite Scents

The square-cut bars of patchoulie soap 
     scented--musky, earthy, sensual-- 
     carefully placed on shelves 
     and in bureau drawers-- 
          a constant reminder 
          of long-gone days, 
Like the fresh smell of newly baked bread 
     wafting from grandma’s oven, 
     mingling with the sultry scent 
     of fresh-percolated coffee-- 
          a constant reminder 
          of bye-gone ways. 
Pervasive presence of lavender perfume 
     when I hugged my grandma tight, 
     snuggling next to her bosom 
     filling my nostrils with love-- 
          a constant reminder 
          of old-fashioned sprays. 
Another unidentified scent comes to me 
     from time to time, unexpected,  
     in meditation, repeats itself 
     in my dreams of Hawaii-- 
          a constant reminder 
          of lovely floral leis.

SECOND PLACE WINNER
Written March 15, 2021
for "Favorite Scent(s) Contest"
sponsored by Chantelle Anne Cooke''

PUBLISHER'S FRONT PAGE PICK
All-Poetry, October 30, 2021

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021



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Date: 4/5/2021 12:50:00 PM
- Congratulations :)
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/5/2021 1:14:00 PM
Thanks so much, Sunshine Smile.
Date: 4/1/2021 3:57:00 PM
such fragrant memories Milton, Many congrats on your win :-) hugs Jan xx
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/1/2021 3:59:00 PM
Thanks so much, Jan. I appreciate your visit and your comment.
Date: 4/1/2021 12:44:00 PM
Congratulations on your win. "Love" your wonderful write, fresh baked bread, lavender perfume and flowers. Have a blessed day and Easter.................
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/1/2021 12:54:00 PM
Thanks so much for your sweet comments. Happy Easter to you, too.
Date: 3/17/2021 2:27:00 AM
There is no accounting for taste. "patchoulie" is almost the only scent in the world I cannot abide. Isn't that funny? I bet you do not love the scent of VICKS VAPOR RUB which is my all-time FAVORITE scent! A great poem. I was immediately struck by how amusing it is what I hate the most you like well enough to poetize.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/17/2021 8:02:00 AM
As a matter of fact, I do like Vicks Vapor Rub and had the same experiences as you as a child. I just didn't think it was as appealing for a poem. Yes, amusing! I suspect much of life is common to everyone. I love patchouli. It is true that I have bars of it laying around my house as deodorizers. Works well!
Date: 3/16/2021 8:44:00 AM
This is such a lovely, appealing poem. I love the way you tied the points together, creating a smooth flow of lines. Janice
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/16/2021 9:50:00 AM
Thank you, Janice.
Date: 3/16/2021 8:06:00 AM
If certain scents are extraordinary / it's because the nose is a source olfactory. Even as a boy this faculty was pronounced in me. I believe its scientific name is "syn·es·the·sia." No matter; I have it, and it's an invaluable aide to my dwindling memory. Many of my poems are grounded in it. / Maurice
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/16/2021 9:50:00 AM
You always teach me something, Maurice, and I really appreciate it. I enjoy your work so much.
Date: 3/15/2021 12:36:00 PM
This is a great poem and a certain winner! All the best in the contest!
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/15/2021 2:12:00 PM
Aw, I can only hope, Krish. The entries here are of such high quality, I just keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for your visit and your encouragement.
Date: 3/15/2021 11:59:00 AM
Hello Milton,you do seem to have your favourites scents. These are lovely scents to remember. Enjoy your day my friend.
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Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 3/15/2021 3:12:00 PM
Hello Milton, there is nothing like fresh baked bread. Enjoy it. Have a nice evening my friend.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/15/2021 12:01:00 PM
Thanks, Darlene. I do love that fresh-baked bread! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.
Date: 3/15/2021 8:42:00 AM
You seem to have a great scent of smell and imagination . what a beautiful blend that is, lovely image come to mind, like a breeze it wakes my reveries, Have a wonderful day dear poet. :)
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/15/2021 9:05:00 AM
Thanks so much, Mystic. I appreciated your comment so much.
Date: 3/15/2021 6:14:00 AM
Yes indeed the sense of smell is very powerful .It can bring back memories ands invoke special feelings. Great write here. Love it. God Bless, JB
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/15/2021 8:01:00 AM
Thank you so much, Judy.
Date: 3/15/2021 5:59:00 AM
Your poem is a special treat, Milton. Delightful scents in memories you evoke through your poem.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/15/2021 8:02:00 AM
They are my favorites, Vijay. Thanks for your read.
Date: 3/15/2021 5:35:00 AM
My college debate partner always wore patchouli and I always think of him when I smell it now. It's sweet that the lavender fragrance reminds you of your grandmother. This is a lovely entry for the contest, Milton. Wishing you success!
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/15/2021 8:02:00 AM
Thanks so much, Carolyn. I am hopeful. It was a fun write.
Date: 3/15/2021 1:59:00 AM
Lovely fragrant memories L. a good contender for the contest ~ Belle
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/15/2021 8:03:00 AM
Thanks, Belle. Your read means a lot to me.
Date: 3/14/2021 9:12:00 PM
A pleasure to read with great descriptiveness and rhyming.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/14/2021 9:23:00 PM
Thanks, Robert. It was fun to write and brought back several memories. Amazing how smells can do that!
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