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From: "Jean R." <>
Subject: "Albertine" - Julia FAIRLIE (contemp.) -- England>>West Cork
Date: Sun, 21 May 2006 09:56:47 -0700


ALBERTINE

Albertine

The scent of my Albertine roses
reminds me of ...
Oh ...
ancient linen cupboards owned by great-
grandmothers
dark shiny wood, the aroma of ancient polish
old-fashioned eiderdowns
lavender talcum powder
ironed, lace-edged, monogrammed handkerchiefs
ottomans full of long-forgotten children's clothes
mementoes between the layers
folded tablecloths and matching napkins
afternoons drinking tea with aunts
ham sandwiches with the crusts cut off
flowery teacups, saucers, silver teaspoons
Sunday afternoons
windows with lace net curtains
windowsills bright with red geraniums
a wireless on a special shelf high on the wall
the way my grandmother said "No thank you I've
had quite sufficient."
Her papery skin, her Irish eyes.

-- Julia FAIRLIE

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