The Sour Stench Of Childhood Poem by Mary Nagy

The Sour Stench Of Childhood



When he asked about my childhood
I knew not where to start.
The scents began to flood my head
while strangling my heart.

My mind has instant recall
on those certain horrid scents.
Like overflowing ashtrays
in a car with blowing vents.

The smell of all night parties
mixed with the scent of a strangers love.
The sour stench of sweat and tears
it's hard to rise above.

The pungent smell of beer breath
in a young girls sleeping face.
The memories of childhood
are not so easily erased.

Some things are burnt in memory
no matter how we fight.
He quietly put a scented candle
on the table in plain sight

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Declan McHenry 29 December 2005

A tight and touching piece Mary. Very well brought off. Thank you.

0 2 Reply
Chuck Audette 29 December 2005

Well said, Mary. Another beautiful poem. -chuck

0 2 Reply
Lucky 31 August 2019

Hands off to you Mary Nagy you reached here from there.👏👍

1 0 Reply
Sruti 31 August 2019

Beautiful comment I haven't seen a comment like this in my whole life

0 0
Sruti 31 August 2019

Beautiful comment

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Sruti 31 August 2019

Yes. beautiful comment

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Uriah Hamilton 02 January 2006

Beautiful and intense, thanks for this honesty of soul.

2 1 Reply
Ray Andrews 29 December 2005

This poem left me feeling quiet; made me reflect on my own leaving and what I will leave behind. I've spent years trying to heal from the indignity of my father's violent verbal blasts-at me. I used to yell at myself to let go-now-well just an occasional whisper. Peace to you Mary. You're a friend to us all. Ray (fabulous poem too!)

2 1 Reply
kskdnj sajn 29 December 2005

Hi Mary, This poem is fabulous! Clear discription, and flows well. My favorite of your work so far. Thanks for sharing! :)

2 1 Reply
Amanda Lukas 29 December 2005

It's impossible to erase the past, I know. However those 'sour stenches' make you who you are today. Yesterday's pain makes for today's great poetry.

1 1 Reply
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