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.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
August 30, 2023 at 7:34 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
Sayers Avatar
August 14, 2023 at 11:45 PM
I really enjoyed your poem Richard, very thought provoking. Thanks
Lamoureux Avatar
August 15, 2023 at 8:30 AM
Thanks Wendy.
Vaso Avatar
August 14, 2023 at 11:41 PM
I read on Facebook, nice prose!
Lamoureux Avatar
August 15, 2023 at 8:31 AM
Thanks buddy.
Situation Avatar
August 14, 2023 at 6:37 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.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 14, 2023 at 10:40 PM
Well, maybe they’ll adopt it. ;0). Thanks for the visit.
Bauer Avatar
August 14, 2023 at 1:16 PM
Well done, Richard! You’ve captured this attitude perfectly, and the tombstone makes the point very well…
Lamoureux Avatar
August 14, 2023 at 1:54 PM
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Hamilton Avatar
August 14, 2023 at 8:11 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!
Lamoureux Avatar
August 14, 2023 at 1:56 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.
Poet Avatar
August 14, 2023 at 8:04 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.
Hamilton Avatar
August 17, 2023 at 8:38 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.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 14, 2023 at 1:58 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.
Mcintosh Avatar
August 14, 2023 at 6:51 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
Lamoureux Avatar
August 14, 2023 at 1:59 PM
That’s wonderful. It’s harder for some than others. I’m glad you don’t have cravings.
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