Scent - the closest thing to time travel

At times a scent can be the closest thing we have to time travel. It can instantly transport us to a point in our past when we are least expecting it. It can dust off a long forgotten memory and make us laugh aloud, seemingly for no reason, confusing those around us. It can awaken a pain as raw as though experienced yesterday, causing us to reach for the tissues to stem the tears. 

This is what opening a jar of Sauerkraut did to me recently. 

Nanny

Standing at the kitchen sink

Jar in hand

I’m mesmerised by hail stones

As they batter the window 

From somewhere in the house

I hear revelry

The kids are home

Their laughter makes me smile 

I twist the lid, it doesn't budge

So I give it some elbow grease

And the lid flies off with a noisy pop

My wrist aches from the strain, my elbow is fine 

As the smell of pickled cabbage fills the air

It picks me up and takes me on a journey 

I'm ten years old

And I'm running up the path

Because I want to be the first

You envelope in a bear hug 

As I launch myself through the door

I drink in the smell of potatoes roasting in the oven

And sauerkraut simmering on the stove

You turn and exclaim in delight 

I throw myself at you

"Just a minute" you say, holding me at bay

And you pat your damp forehead with the hem of your apron

Then you pull me into you and I sink into your arms 

I nestle into your Lily of the Valley scented neck

I close my eyes

I feel loved

I feel wanted 

Next stop on the journey

I'm fourteen

And the best treat of all

I get to spend the weekend with you 

Just the two of us

No brother

No sister

No mum and dad 

It's chilly and the night is drawing in

We put a few logs on the fire

The Sound of Music is on BBC1

Your favourite film 

You settle into your armchair

With me on the rug in front of the crackling fire

I have my eye on the sideboard

The special place you keep the treats 

"Go on," you say, "help yourself"

I rummage but can't decide

"Have two," you say, so I do

I feel lucky, I feel content 

And then I'm seventeen

We move away and leave you behind

My eyes fill with tears, nothing is the same

I feel confused, I feel lonely 

But the raucous laughter in the house

Brings me back to today

I hug the jar tightly

Because now you're gone 

Yet I still feel your arms around me

My security blanket

Your apron wiping my tears away

Sad tears

Happy tears

 

Thank you for reading,

Fiona