It was summer 1956,
when we moved
into our new house.
A young boy,
I remember it
like yesterday.
Momma was excited,
planting two Eucalyptus
trees in our backyard.
Still smell their
aromatic oil scent.
Raking those leaves
and Wendy Smith
flower pods
was a chore.
Boy, I used to climb
those trees!
Had an old rope
and wood seat swing,
hanging from one
for years.
After Momma passed,
the courts
forced us to sell the house.
She willed it to us, but
needed two witness signatures,
she had only gotten one.
Smell of Eucalyptus
reminds me of momma.
Author notes
Picture prompt: 100 words maximum
Photo credit: contest host
In a list
A contest entry
- #71 at Winklings for members and Friends from Allpoetry. by Lyndon.
3000 points, ended June 7, 2008, 17 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 12 of 12
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We had an Apple tree in our back yard where I grew up, I can remember climbing it and my Dad made a swing for us. Our pet Galah used to sit in it and say "Whatcha doing?" when we walked past. I'm happy it brought memories back of your Mother. Your poem has brought those memories back to me as I haven't seen my tree since 1551.(Whoops 1951 LOL) It sounds like you too had a lot of fun in the trees your Mum planted.
A lovely poem.
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Smells early in life later tie one to the past
better than do the other senses. I enjoyed this poem , now, more-so than previously. However, I feel some lines could be combined. e.g. 'flower pods' is hard to justify as a poetic line.
I feel Pia-K below has made some fine points for you.
Best wishes.
Lyndon of the Winklings.
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It's a beautiful poem
Wow, what strong recall it must be to have a picture of Eucalyptus type send you into a poem like this. I enjoy your strong reference to the plant, definitely helps make sure the poem works with the picture and your memory. There are many parts I'd like to quote, but this is the first: "into our new house. A young boy, I remember it like yesterday" because it has the strength of why notifying 1956 and the month even matters. Also, it's compact the way you tightened that it doesn't seem that long ago with a comma and realizing emotion.
Every little detail you bring out that you were comfortable with is totally family even though you say your mother died, so sad. From line number 16 to 21, you wrapped two ideas from frequent fun in certain branches. Whether it be going through them or pointing out to a specific one shaped perfectly for a swing. Man, your memory is still running like a river without any 'um's' for the topic but you know what you're connecting I can tell! These words, "hanging from one for years" are unbelievably gorgeous, things haven't lost tightness even as yet in the old-times.
Ohhhhhhhhh, I settled down with more than just one obvious depressing subject in the whole second stanza. One little mistake by paper and you can't make true speech draw it out for what was lovely to you and your "Mamma." Such a perfect place and ending to write, "Smell of Eucalyptus reminds me of momma," even more emphasizes your memory because of everything. I enjoy when greatness can continue on from what isn't penned anymore, in other words your implied writing lets you go further.
Sharing this is a vivid lengthening for my day!
PIA-K -
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What an absolurely
kind and wonderful critique of my poem, I enjoyed tour interpretation of my poem and even more so the depth into my feelings that took time to reach into with your generous words of comment. Ir's not often someone takes the time read something I write deeply and also take the feeling to words such as these you have so kindly expressed. Thank you very much, it means a great deal to me.
God Bless
Best Regards,
David
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What a sad tale to have lost the house where such memories were made. My dad died a few years back and this made me think of him. We did so many things together when I was very young, and the memories have clung...
I love the flow of the poem; the tone is perfect. A very readable write with a tug at the end. I really like this very much.
~ Joyce
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Thank you Joy Joyce
I am happy you enjoyed the read,k thank you for your kind words
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So beautiful!
Your poem fills my heart with joy because of the tenderness and love that fills it with such beautiful and poignant images. I love this poem so MUCH!
Would you allow me to post it on the poetry blog I run for a newspaper in California? It is Poetry Planet and you can find it at:
blogcentral.thereporter.com/planet
We get hundreds of hits a day and your beautiful poem would be appreciated by so many viewers. And of course your name and copyright would go on the poem.
Melodies
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I would be honored
if you wanted to post it, perhaps you could send me a link agter you do but sure you can ,
Thank you
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"Eucalyptus" is a genus name as "Pinus" is. But you say eucalypts and pines. A nice poem although the penultimate verse paragraph seems unrelated to the prompt and your theme of memory and eucalyptus odour. The word "scent" is redundant. Can you see that?
Thank you for your verse. *wilted-rose*
Lyndon of the Winklings.
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Wonderful feelings wrapped in nostalgic memories simply sing in this heart warming verse. I was there, and I too could smell the Eucalyptus. Best of luck in the judging. ~Pamela
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Thank you Pamela
for your kind comments. How have you been? Fine I hope
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Eucalyptus in flower then the gum nuts child hood memories....The blue haze the oils given to those amazing Blue Mountains in New South Wales the scent of wood burning rush in while I read your lines....You paint the picture well breathing life into the prompt. Nice twist you have created this poem with thought. A pleasure to read. Good luck in the contest.
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