My growing-up world is a map of aromas –
as my little snub nose lifts like a sniffer dog’s
as my beady eyes interrogate the shelves
as my chubby fingers reach out to touch –
cumin, paprika, star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, coriander garam masala…
the list is never ending and exotic to my ears
my heart explodes and my mouth waters in anticipation
at the glories that will dance on my tongue – later
the kitchen will swell with steam and spatter
the pots will bubble, burping explosions of delight into the air
meat will sizzle, onions will sweat, my skin will prickle
and later, much later, so very, very much later
chapati and naan will wipe our plates clean
raita will soothe our burning tongues
and i will save my helping of sukha aloo to the very last
because they are my favourite thing of all
Tonight, Grace, our lovely host over at the dVerse pub, invites us to write about scents, aromas, and evoke emotions. For me, the choice was obvious – food!
Oh what a joyous write this was for me, a real step back in time to my childhood of 1970s Birmingham! We lived not too far from a wondrous street called Ladypool Road in Sparkbrook (in the midst of the Balti Triangle), which was an absolute delight to anyone who wanted – no, needed – to buy herbs, spices and other necessary foodstuffs to create real authentic cuisine from around the world (there were and still are brilliant restaurants there too). From my memory, we went there to buy food to make curries – my step-dad would take over the kitchen and create absolutely wonderful food (I hope you can tell I loved it!).
My mum and step-dad took me to an Indian restaurant when I was little (back in the days of the flock wallpaper) – the Indian waiters were all amazed to see a little white girl eat proper curry! I felt very proud of my apparent prowess! I loved being part of the multi-cultural city where I grew up. It was a fantastic education in its own right.
Please do join in dVerse Poetics before the two week summer break – or if you’re feeling shy, at least come and enjoy the wonderful selection of poetry I know you will find there!
Freya Writes... 
I do love the smell of spices… my childhood was spent with mostly salt as spice, and I have grown later to love spices (and cooking)… wonderful memories…and something I’m a bit envious of.
Thank you, Bjorn. I was very lucky to grow up surrounded by all of these scents, absolutely. I love cooking with spices too.
Lovely exotic smells. Happy spices. We used all the French herbs and baking spices so those smells make me happy when I cook today. Fresh herbs, dried spices. I didn’t eat any Indian food until as an adult when I went away to university. What a total wow. And you grew up with these amazing smells and flavors. My mouth is watering over those spicy taters right now. Think I will fix for tomorrow night.
I’m glad you found Indian food eventually! I was lucky to grow up with it all on my doorstep, yes! Enjoy your Indian extravaganza tomorrow! And thank you for reading and taking the time to comment 🙂
Always a pleasure.
Oh, I do love Indian food. And men in the kitchen! What a tantalizing treat, this poem, as well as your additional thoughts. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Linda!
Simply delicious Freya, its early morning here and my breakfast is about to take place, you have made me hungry…..though it may not be a curry….bit early…
Thank you Michael! Yes, curry for breakfast probably wouldn’t work for our westernised stomachs!
“cumin, paprika, star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, coriander garam masala” Each of these brought the aroma to mind in a distinct way! When I make Thai Curry Paste, the smell stays in my head for days and I crave it. Thank you for sharing the story – what a delight to join you there! You really nailed this one!!!
Thank you, Jilly! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
I won’t even wait to say, “Yum!” What I want to say is that I totally fell into the moments of your poem and savored and breathed spices and dishes — many of which I’ve never experienced, but was able to come to some experience thereof. Bravo!
Thank you, Charley! I recommend all the spices I mentioned 🙂
I only discovered Indian food when I was an adult so lucky for you to be exposed that early to spicy and very flavorful herbs. I still can’t take curry or hot dishes but give me flavors of other dishes and I am excited to try it.
Thanks for joining us and wishing you a happy week.
Yes, I was very lucky indeed, and every time I eat or prepare a curry, it takes me back!
What a wonderful array of the scents of Indian cuisine…beautifully told.
Thank you, Victoria!
“What a wonderful poem full of spice and imagery,” she said. “So specially exotic for a child to travel the world in your own neighbourhood.”
“Thank you for sharing,” she added
“Thank you so much,” she replied 🙂
Chapati….mmmm…such a large part of my childhood, too…love the smell and taste 🙂
Yummy! 🙂
I wholeheartedly agree 🙂
Thank you for the Brummy memories you brought back to me from happy years. I wrote about them in a poem which began “O lovely Brum…” which you’ll find here: https://wordpress.com/post/vivinfrance.wordpress.com/6036
Another Brummy?! Hurrah! 🙂
No, born in London before WWII but I lived and worked in and around Birmingham for 20 years
Oh, the link didn’t work… Could you try it again?
https://vivinfrance.wordpress.com/2012/03/13/britains-second-city/ sorry about that
Whoa ❤ this is absolutely delicious writing Freya 😀 such tantalizing images in your verse ❤
Beautifully executed.
Lots of love,
Sanaa
Thank you so much, Sanaa! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Mouth-watering! I haven’t tried any Indian food and but I do love our version of curry here. 😀
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I can recommend Indian food 🙂
Where are you from?
Truly delightful! I smiled from beginning to end, and if I hadn’t just finished breakfast this would have made me hungry.
Thank you, Linda! Lol 🙂
I suppose I’d take flavors over scents if I could due to this, Freya!
Thank you, Walt.
Superb! You put me right in that kitchen, in those moments.
Thank you!
I find my mouth is watering…=)
Good! 🙂
Good 🙂
I am amazed at the bright, flavorful spices of the Indian cuisine. I love samosas and I make a pretty good curry with chicken. Have not tried star anise….yet.
This was a delicious response to the prompt. 🙂
Mmmm… samosas! I haven’t had one for a while…
Thank you – I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I never tried Indian food, but your poem makes it sound so delicious! 🙂 Beautiful writing, Freya!
Ooh, give it a try! If you’re not into hot food with lots of chili, you can make it more aromatic and warm. I’m glad you enjoyed my poem!
I adore Indian food — and oh my visit to the spice markets. This is just wonderful! 🙂
Thank you, Lillian! This was taken in Marrakech – a fabulous city. I’d go back there in a heartbeat.