Ifs, Ands Or

The front of my building has bushes
But also unfortunate gluts
Of something invasive and ugly – 
A mountain of cigarette butts.

I’ve never seen somebody toss one – 
I doubt if my tongue could be held –
For such utter contempt for the garden
Is certainly unparalleled.

Though smokers must bide by restrictions,
On streets they may puff as they please;
So when time for a toss is upon them,
They answer to no referees.

You’d think they would be diplomatic,
Considerate, civil and kind;
But second-hand smoke and its dangers
Isn’t all that they’re leaving behind.

The next time I notice a smoker,
I’ll follow his trail as he struts,
And gently remind him that Nature
Has no room for his ifs, ands or butts!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Johnson Avatar
August 1, 2013 at 10:20 AM
Times Up. Bye. :)
Pritts Avatar
April 23, 2012 at 5:18 PM
You never fail to please Ilene. I'm disgusted every time I'm stopped at a red light and look out at all of the butts lying in the median. Every car has an ashtray. Why should I have to see that? I'd rather see grass and flowers. So many times I've thought about getting out and picking up one that I saw someone throw out and throwing it back in their car. In the Army they used to make us walk the grounds and pick up the trash every morning. Thoughtless smokers should have to do the same. Rockman
Horne Avatar
April 23, 2012 at 11:38 AM
lol, love this witty one, Ilene. I have to sweep up the ciggie butts at work and know how you feel
Novotny Avatar
April 22, 2012 at 11:46 PM
You continue to impress me with your ability to write about the simple, the everyday things that so frequently go unnoticed.
Dietrich Avatar
April 22, 2012 at 10:56 PM
you are one awesome lady at social commentaries with humor. Awesome and clever.
Andresen Avatar
April 22, 2012 at 3:39 PM
Dog bag - and cig. bag ! - oxox love Anne-Lise
Grisetti Avatar
April 22, 2012 at 3:06 PM
Agree totally with your sentiments. I hate to see the trash.
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