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Leaning On a Tombstone

Leaning On a Stone I was afraid of gaining weight, so I kept on puffing my cigarettes. Filling my lungs, holding that drag as long as I could. I liked that feeling deep in my chest. When I breathed out through my nose, I looked like a smokey dragon. The long silver hair that framed my face, added to the overall effect. I wasn’t much for them warning signs on the pack. It’s a free country, ain’t it? So I kept my cigarettes in a silver plated case. Kinda looked good with my sterling Zippo. You wouldn’t often see me without a Matinee cigarette hanging from my lip or between my thumb and forefinger. I loved me them Matinee Large Regulars. When I got a cold I’d sometimes smoke those Mentholated Cools. They kinda soothed my throat. If the cash was rolling in I’d treat myself to a good cigar. I tried a pipe for a while but it was too much of a ritual for this guy. My pops had that vibe in spades. He looked good with his pipe and fedora. When I started losing a bunch of weight I was a bit concerned. I thought it couldn’t be the cigarettes, I had cut down to two packs a day. Ya, I did have that persistent cough, even the mentholated Cools didn’t seem to help. Now it seems the smoke goes straight through me. Taking a drag is a drag. I look like the skull on the pack now. My silver hair is long gone. This dragon ain’t so fierce anymore. But, if you need a skeleton for your next party, I’m your guy. I look cool leaning against a Tomb Stone. Remember though, I’m partial to Matinee Large Regular.

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Gershon Wolf

Date: 8/30/2023 7:34:00 PM

Whoa. I read this poem on the very day that one of my good friends died of lung cancer. How timely -- or untimely, I don't know. ~ In shock, gw

Wendy Sayers

Date: 8/14/2023 11:45:00 PM

I really enjoyed your poem Richard, very thought provoking. Thanks

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 8/15/2023 8:30:00 AM

Thanks Wendy.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 8/14/2023 11:41:00 PM

I read on Facebook, nice prose!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 8/15/2023 8:31:00 AM

Thanks buddy.

The Situation

Date: 8/14/2023 6:37:00 PM

I got out but when I take a drink it;s back. I decided it's not worth it. Good you shared the experience. but it's really for smokers anonomus.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 8/14/2023 10:40:00 PM

Well, maybe they’ll adopt it. ;0). Thanks for the visit.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 8/14/2023 1:16:00 PM

Well done, Richard! You’ve captured this attitude perfectly, and the tombstone makes the point very well…

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 8/14/2023 1:54:00 PM

Thanks for reading and commenting.

John Hamilton

Date: 8/14/2023 8:11:00 AM

Funny how the addiction convinces people that it's ok. I know a man who smokes and he's convinced it's actually good for you, he cites Japan where they mostly live a long time, and most are smokers. I always enjoy your thoughtful writing. Hey, how's the smoke out there? I heard Kelowna was threatened by the fires, hope you're ok!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 8/14/2023 1:56:00 PM

It’s not too Smokey in Kelowna. There have been fires all around us, even across the lake from our house. Fortunately they put that one out pretty quickly.

Sotto Poet

Date: 8/14/2023 8:04:00 AM

Richard, I must commend your remarkable writing abilities. Having thoroughly relished perusing your literary works, I feel compelled to share a personal triumph with you. In the year 2018, after an extensive four-decade-long indulgence in smoking, I made the arduous decision to relinquish this pernicious habit. While the cessation process proved to be an uphill battle, I am immensely gratified to assert that I no longer yearn for its allure. However, I must confess, an occasional inclination to partake in smoking persists within me. In light of this, I have discovered that the utilization of nicotine-free vaping devices potentially quells this innate urge.

John Hamilton
Date: 8/17/2023 8:38:00 AM

My sister died at 59 from lung cancer, they wouldn't give her a lung transplant unless she promised to quit smoking, she didn't so they wouldn't end of story.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 8/14/2023 1:58:00 PM

Thanks for your thoughtful response. I’m pleased you were able to quit. I say, use whatever you have to. My dad died at 56 from lung cancer.

Tom Woody

Date: 8/14/2023 7:00:00 AM

Frank Zappa had an interesting comment when an interviewer asked him why he still smoked though he was in stage four cancer. He called tobacco a harmless food, a plant or vegetable. Sigh. I smoked for 6 or 7 years in my youth. So, so glad I gave it up. But I grew up in a house with parents that were two to three pack a dayers. No wonder I have seasonal allergies

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 8/14/2023 1:59:00 PM

Good for you Tom. I never had the desire to smoke. I inhaled enough smoke from my dad.

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 8/14/2023 6:51:00 AM

So sad. I quit smoking in 2013 after smoking for nearly 35 years. It was hard to quit but I don't miss it a bit. I'm so glad I finally did. Only wish I would have quit sooner. Your poem vibrates with the nicotine addict's thinking. You're a talented writer. God bless you. Love, Gina

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 8/14/2023 1:59:00 PM

That’s wonderful. It’s harder for some than others. I’m glad you don’t have cravings.