I smell like Popcorn

I smell like popcorn

I remind you of a smell

resplendent

similar to your past

I remind you of the nostalgia

of a sunny day, pebble beach

and salt & vinegar chips

I'm your afternoon treat

after a trip to the pictures

before a midnight boogie

I give you that warmth you need

that reminder of home

that sense that you are not alone

Holding my hand

down the winding road.

You said I "smell like popcorn”

a smell so good

a smell so inviting

popping kernels

in a white flame

as the oil burns:

a chemical reaction

This image locked in your memory

popping up, readying your path

to follow as I lead you into that

familiar sense of home

Pretty box

yours, blue stripes

mine, has the ribbons

you gave me

If I remind you of popcorn

I remind you of a home

a home away from home

a home where you are not alone

a home where you can be at home with me

I hold you close to my memory

building sandcastles

sand grains on our palms

sand in between our toes

The water is cold but

dipping your toe is fine

playing bucket and spades

in the rock pools, crabs flitter by

If I smell like popcorn then

I'm your sense of home and

you are my sunshine

and bright blue skies.