Jasmine Moment


Jasmine claimed the garden wall
in tiny spirals clutching brick and mortar.
The scent of the cloud of pearl white clusters
was heady, intoxicating, commanding.

On a street corner vibrating “don’t linger”
a single Jasmine blossom caught my eye.
From a spring storm of a thousand perfume vials
I was enraptured by the arrogance of one
 tiny flower's demand I pause and inhale its aroma.

In a sanctuary of seconds it was my Shaman
teaching me a moment of stillness has more value
than the foot chase to attain replaceable.

©Susie Clevenger 2017

#NaPoWriMo2017

Comments

Kerry O'Connor said…
Jasmine is forever pinned to my memory, so I know exactly how stimulating the fragrance is as you have described it.

Thank you for a wealth of pearls this month, Susie.
Anonymous said…
That 'don't linger' just screamed 'liner' at me. Funny that. Shaman flowers are powerful teachers.Thanks again for your marvelous words this month.
Anonymous said…
scentsational!
"a spring storm of a thousand perfume vials
I was enraptured by the arrogance of one"

one of those "wish I'd written these wonderful lines"
grapeling said…
they say scent is most closely tied to memory, and you bring us there ~
Kim M. Russell said…
Sadly our jasmine was consumed by weeds some years ago. Your opening lines brought back the delight of jasmine climbing over a garden wall, a fence a trellis - anywhere! Your poem is scented with jasmine, Susie!
Gillena Cox said…
Luv where this jasmine took us
"
In a sanctuary of seconds it was my Shaman
teaching me a moment of stillness has more value
than the foot chase to attain replaceable."

Much love...
Sanaa Rizvi said…
This is soo unbelievably potent, Susie ❤️ I love your closing lines..❤️ sigh...❤️
Marian said…
This is perfect. You got it, you got the heady essence here. Yesssss
The jasmine as your shaman - perfect.
Angie said…
I love jasmine (have it in my backyard). Nature can teach us so much. Thanks for all your poems this month!
Anonymous said…
Poetic Foul! You know I love jasmine. So I can't help but love your poem.
Jim said…
I love your Jasmine blossom poem here, Susie. Especially the bird planted one. I must find some to take a whiff, I don't think I've come across it although I've been hearing the word for years. I have a great-grandniece named Jasmine. Lowes? Houston Garden Center? I will find some.
..
brudberg said…
The scent of jasmine is a perfect note of music
Sreeja said…
beautiful poem...that point of stillness is incredibly valuable!
Now that's wisdom! Superb!