One Single Impression: Fragrance

,

In summertime dampness like a thief

Finds its way into the pores of old wood

And takes the past

To make a gift of it

To the present

This is not a noble gesture

But a thing that happens.

For me it is a happy accident.

It takes from the ruins of my inheritance

The fragrance of wood fires and coal

The distant scent of Christmas--

Wrapping paper and turkey grease

Pumpkin pies and apple--

My grandmother's ruby red lipstick,

The press of her kiss on my cheek

That said

I am glad you are here now.

The press of her kiss on my cheek

That said

I love you, child.

In summertime dampness like a thief

Takes from the ruins of my inheritance

The boxwood incense of nights that

Seem never to end

But are gone in the blink of an eye

I breathe in the bounty

Of summertime dampness

Sit with my grandfather over breakfast

One more time

And wonder when

My grandmother will awake

And join us.

I never quite know what to say.

We are quiet together.

I breathe.

I dream.

I blink

And it's over.

One Single Impression