Lily of the Valley (Poetry)

In a dark and shady corner
where the soil was always damp
sweet lily of the valley thrived
although their space was cramped
beside the concrete bunker meant
for coal or sometimes coke
each year would see them coming through
their fresh green leaves would poke
aside the clods and stretch towards
what pale light filtered soft
and as they flowered each would send
its dreamy scent aloft.

On summer nights in the warm dusk
a cloud of perfume hung
enough to take the breath away
in the still air it clung
intoxicating all who came
to knock at the side door
quite dizzy from that heady smell
such sweetness at its core.

All that was many years ago
I doubt new owners kept
the garden as it was back then
a new broom’s surely swept.
Now and then I catch the scent
wafting on the breeze
artificial? — even so
it brings back memories.
A time — a place — that tiny plot
where lilies frothed milk-white
and offered scent like a rare gift
to transport and delight.