the smell of her perfume lingered in the air

once present, she had vanished into a memory from the past

She’d been vibrant and glorious, full of life and ideas, feelings and interests

all of the things that make one alive

but time had changed her, she’d grown old and frail

until finally one day she just faded away

she left behind so many days

ones where she’d taught the young girl how to think, play cards, be kind

others where she’d impressed upon her how to accept life and  be yourself, always a bulwark in sometimes stormy seas

although long since past, these memories forged a sense of self in her young friend,

and every now and then she still smells  lavender and rose,

and feels close to her again