Ann Gilmour Poet Free verse

In Black and White

In black and white days
When glamour and romance
Were steeped in vogue
Emanating style
Elegant ladies robed in satin
Glamorous and opulent 
Between their fingers held
Cigarettes in holders
of ivory and gold
Like Audrey Hepburn 
in long black gloves
Whilst Breakfasting at Tiffanys
looking graceful ~  almost decadent
And yet…

Breathing in a long drawn breath
A spectacle to behold
Stylishly holding up her head
Exhaling slowly smoke would rise
Then as she took a long deep breath
closing her eyes as if transported 
to far off climes within her mind

Oh they were such romantic times
Smoking felt glamorous and fun
No fear of cancer
With every breath
For no one really knew
But now with warnings all around
So many health risks have been found
Warnings of cancer in graphic detail
Encouraged to abstain
and forced to smoke out in the rain 

Watching black and white movies 
I cannot help but yearn
For those halcyon days
when most folk would smoke
and in black and white
a tall handsome chap
his lady’s cigarette would light
Almost like a gentle kiss
with his cigarette held close
Making contact now with hers
It was simply captivating
Their cigarettes ignited
So romantic and enticing
Gazing deep into her eyes
she takes a breath
he smiles
she sighs
~
In black and white
it seemed alright…

Written 11th July 2021
after watching a black and white movie where almost everyone was smoking - though I myself have never partaken...

Contest A BRIAN STRAND JULY 12
Sponsor Brian Strand
FIRST PLACE

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Christuraj Alex July 11, 2021 at 7:25 PM A Beautiful Work. Congratulations! Ann Gilmour July 12, 2021 at 1:42 AM Thank you so much for your kind words Christuraj. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Paghunda Zahid July 11, 2021 at 5:50 PM Congratulations on your win :) Ann Gilmour July 12, 2021 at 1:42 AM Many thanks Paghunda I appreciate your visit. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Rico Leffanta July 11, 2021 at 11:57 AM I enjoyed smoking 2-4 packs every day for 35-years thanks to Uncle Sam who kept them affordable, and, like my ancestors who smoked tobacco over hundreds of years, I( enjoyed the benefits without any health risks. My Welsh mother-in-law referred to me as "The Chimney". I perceived smoke as purifying (flies and mosquitoes don't like smoke) whereas America's Surgeon General perceived smoke as simply putrid, but he died first. Good luck in the contest! Aloha! Rico Rico Leffanta July 13, 2021 at 11:22 AM most stuck to my bottom lip, but I did use fingers from time to time . . ... Ann Gilmour July 12, 2021 at 1:45 AM Wow Rico or should I call you Chimney ~ did you no harm then thankfully... Did you use a cigarette holder? Kindest thoughts Ann xx

Tom Cunningham July 11, 2021 at 6:48 AM They were the best years Anne, sadly we'll never see them again. Hope you're well. Tom Ann Gilmour July 11, 2021 at 8:37 AM Yes Tom I believe so too. Good to hear from you and hoping you & your family are well. Many thanks Tom with kindest thoughts Ann xx

Victor Buhagiar July 10, 2021 at 11:04 PM Those were good films with great stories. Pity they were always smoking. It's the money that attracts. Hugs. Ann Gilmour July 11, 2021 at 12:44 AM Yes I always enjoy those black and white movies Victor, taking me back to another time. Hoping you are well my friend. With kindet thoughts Ann xx

Shirley Hawkins July 10, 2021 at 6:54 PM lovely romantic sophisticated poem. I have never smoked myself but still find the old films elegant, the long cigarette holders hold a fascination for me ( but fortunately not the cigarette). I loved this poem Ann. Good luck in the contest.. Ann Gilmour July 11, 2021 at 12:41 AM Thank you so much Shirley, I too love the elegance of the long cigarette holders and like you I have never smoked, but if I had, I would most certainly have had a long elegant holder to enhance the look...Thanks for your lovely comments Shirley. With kindest thoughts Ann xx