My Grandma Smelt of Peppermints

My Grandma smelt of peppermints. 
Her kitchen of boiling bacon, 
and margarine - it was always steamy 
and 'welcomingly' warm. 

The bathroom, off the kitchen, 
smelt of carbolic soap, and a layer 
of talcum powder dusted the cupboards 
a reminder of its liberal use. 

The garden, with a greenhouse, 
had a glorious array of pinks 
and Sweet Williams - it was always summer: 
no winters here, always sunny, as I recall..... 

The old corrugated air-raid shelter, 
above ground now, was a haven 
for childhood, childish games. 
It smelt of paraffin from the heater. 

My Grandma smelt of peppermints. 
She would lick her hanky and 
wipe my mouth if it was sticky 
from the gingerbread she'd made. 

My Grandma always looked the same, 
never younger, never older:- 
her memory etched in my cerebral 
photo frame as I remember her ........ 

smelling of peppermints, 
fingers deformed with crippling arthritis, 
but smiling, wiping mouths, cooking, 
or sitting in her little garden in a floral dress..... 

She's been gone for thirty years now, 
but still I see her there. 
I see the  tissue filled pockets in her 
'pinny'and the pin-curls in her hair. 

Yes, my Grandma smelt of peppermints.........
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

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Kurian Avatar
June 16, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Hello Helen, Your poem is a heartfelt, nostalgic tribute, rich with sensory details that bring cherished memories to life. The warmth, scents, and small gestures beautifully capture the essence of love and familiarity :)
Radford Avatar
June 16, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Thank you Saivi ????. I wrote this many years ago but the memory is as clear as ever.
Etgen-Baker Avatar
June 16, 2025 at 9:34 AM
your poem and words about your grandmother deeply touched me, for they reminded me so of my own grandmother...except she smelt like lavender and vanilla...yellow rose
Radford Avatar
June 16, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Thank you ?? Our grandmothers are so special
Spence Sr Avatar
June 19, 2010 at 2:19 PM
This is an excellent remembrance of your grandmother. I like the images as they are described. Congratulations on being featured. Great job! Joseph
Austin Avatar
June 19, 2010 at 9:09 AM
Some things, some people never grow old. Charming poem. Congrats on the selection. Love, daver
Ryerson Avatar
June 18, 2010 at 8:59 PM
Congrats on your featured poem...you have captured your memories very well in this fine piece...some of the best memories I have are from visits to my Grandma's house...Though it has been many years ago, I still remember the smells, the sounds, her voice, etc. I also remember every square inch of that house! - Tim
Brown Avatar
June 18, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Congratulations on your featured poem this week Helen. Love, Carol
Fisher Avatar
June 14, 2010 at 1:18 PM
Many congrats on your featured piece this week. Rgds Janette
Adeite Avatar
June 14, 2010 at 12:54 PM
This is a wonderful piece, a well deserved feature! Accept my colorful congrats. Keep your pens dancing to the drumbeat of your passion. You are such a wonderful poet. With love, Adeleke
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
June 13, 2010 at 7:12 PM
Congrats Helen on this beautiful poem being featured. Vince
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 8, 2008 at 12:29 AM
The fondest memory I have of my mother was reaching up to hug her and smelling the sugar, flour and spices on her 'pinny.' She was always baking... this is delightful! A feast for all the senses, and so beautifully expressed. Thanks for rekindling a precious time in my life... Best wishes, Keith (PS if you have time would you please take a look at 'Nightscapes.' It's a tribute to T.S. Eliot)
Heck Avatar
November 30, 2008 at 7:59 AM
Helen - Congratulations on your 2 poems making Round One of the PSoup poetry contest! Wishing you all the best in the finals and have a Happy Holiday season. Peace always, John
Jordan Avatar
November 29, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Helen congratulations on having two poems reach the finals - god Bless, MJ
Brown Avatar
November 18, 2008 at 3:37 AM
Helen, congratulations on your poetry making it through the first round. Good luck in the finals. Love, Carol
Winter Avatar
October 27, 2008 at 5:58 AM
Warmest congrats Helen on making it through the first round! Good luck! Love, Shar
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