Fragrant Memories

from NeurOnFire by Iambic Beats

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about

This is quite a different style for me. Normally, I don't include full readings of established poets. But I listened to this recording of Memory by Arthur Symons and fell in love. In it, he speaks of how the memory of someone can stick with him like a smell lingers.

It immediately captivated me, not only because of the anguish of the subject matter but also because smell is so closely tied to emotion and memory in all of us. We have all smelled something that instantly took us back to a moment of time. This is because nerves from the olfactory bulb (where smell is processed in the brain) lead directly into the amygdala and hippocampus (areas strongly associated with emotion and memory).

I've also included original poetry and excerpts from scientific texts about memory. Overall, the vibe here is chill and longing. It is the Iambic Beats song I myself have listened to the most.

lyrics

It’s just a memory

(As a perfume doth remain
In the folds where it hath lain,
So the thought of you, remaining
Deeply folded in my brain,
Will not leave me; all things leave me;
You remain)

(Not only the learning of the scholar
But the inspiration of the poet
The genius of the painter
The heroism of the warrior
All depend upon memory
Even consciousness itself could have no existence without memory
There could be no consciousness of change
Memory, therefore,
May be said to be involved in all conscious existence
A property of every conscious being

100 billion neurons
Thousands of pathways
Hundreds of memories

But only one you

A construct
A fable
A picture of ink spilled on the table
I’d erase it if only I were able
But all I can do is bathe in that ink
Your name is all I can think
(As a perfume doth remain)
Constructs and contrasts
You’ve gone but your memory lasts
And I die a thousand neural deaths
(In the folds where it hath lain)
Brain damage in the darkest depths

(Other thoughts may come and go,
Other moments I may know
That shall waft me, in their going,
As a breath blown to and fro,
Fragrant memories; fragrant memories
Come and go

Only thoughts of you remain
In my heart where they have lain,
Perfumed thoughts of you, remaining,
A hid sweetness, in my brain
Others leave me; all things leave me;
You remain)

credits

from NeurOnFire, released July 25, 2022
Poetry by Melinda Smith
Additional audio from Memory, a poem by Arthur Symons
Additional audio from Memory: How to Develop, Train, and Use It by William Walker Atkinson

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about

Iambic Beats Los Angeles, California

We have so many titles. A few of mine are: scientist, poet, writer, singer, mom. I like to think I live at the intersection of music and words and always asking questions. A goddamn lovely place to be.