navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #5 » Breathe
Open Poetry #5
Post A Reply Post New Topic Breathe Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion

0 posted 2000-01-27 11:57 AM


Breathe


Breathe deep, my mother’s skin,
both pleasant and bitter,
Grandpa’s coat, tobacco and peppermint
and something foul
(that turned out to be alcohol).

Draw in the memory of salt and spray
my beloved ocean
still calming on the worst of days.
Breathe deep, cocoa butter, patouli oil and
plumeria, cheap perfumes of the teen years,
pungent green leaves burning
mixed with the sweat of bodies
rock concerts;
colognes from men of the past
(I hate the scent of cologne on men).

Breathe in, vanilla redwood trees,
fireplaces in the winter,
co-mingling scents of San Francisco.

Remembering the scents of my babies.

Forgetting the stink of death.

How I imagine your skin, I inhale.

© 2000 Corinne Bailey


© Copyright 2000 Corinne - All Rights Reserved
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

1 posted 2000-01-27 12:30 PM


Scent, I think, is one of the strongest memory joggers that there is. The ocean is by far my favorite one too! This is beautiful, Corinne! I always look forward to reading your wonderful poems!

Denise

HelmutB
Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964
Canada
2 posted 2000-01-27 01:00 PM


Very nice poem. I agree with Denise the smell or scent of the open ocean is my favortite too.

 The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools.


devina
Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539
Cali
3 posted 2000-01-27 01:12 PM


great images here Corinne, I think mountain air would be my favorite!!

 Open arms can be the most fragile in the world...

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
4 posted 2000-01-27 02:02 PM


I love scent--an invisible thing with such impact--oh that wonderful little boy sweat smell after the soccar game--from my kids of long ago--still get a whif now and then.

Wonderful poem!

Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
5 posted 2000-01-27 04:27 PM


Corinne, another wonder you have here. I love the smell of spring when it comes to Canada after a very cold winter.

Parker

Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
6 posted 2000-01-27 04:34 PM



Thank you Denise, Helmut, Devina, Martie, and Haleyja!

Wrote this in response to another poet's Breathe poem.  The memories triggered by scent are so individual, made me immediately think of what scents triggered nostalgia in me.

Challenge, anyone?

LOL

Corinne

lasexycat
New Member
since 2000-01-27
Posts 5
Louisiana
7 posted 2000-01-27 04:48 PM


oh yes, the ocean by far, is most celestial, calls me always, smell it, hear it, breathe it.  Very Nice.
Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
8 posted 2000-01-27 05:46 PM


Ahhh...but the scent of a woman is my favorite...Now then young lady...I've seen your posts! "What have I ever done to you?"....Maybe you just need a good lickin'?.....Now then....which kind do I administer?......Both maybe?....LOL....Nice poem gal.....
Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
9 posted 2000-01-27 06:22 PM


Holy cow, Toe, have you ever got my number!

I must learn to bury my metaphors more carefully and write words of utter obscurity
(well, I probably already do that!).

Yeah, a good lickin' is just what the doctor ordered, um hmmm!

Corinne

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
10 posted 2000-01-27 07:34 PM


Great poem... great visit to the aroma therapy of memories. *S*
hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
11 posted 2000-01-28 12:31 PM


Excellent post...amazing how little things like certain scents can bring back a wave of emotions and memories
Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #5 » Breathe

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary