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Second-Hand Something - With Apologies To the Surgeon General

Lord, it’s been a good chunk of time... Been such a long time. Time enough for me to know... To know it so well. Been without it too long... Too long to take it. And baby I need it... And honey, you’ve got it. And I need to have it... So you need to share it. Just send a little bit my way. Lord, it’s been a mighty long time... Sentenced to hard time. Time to have to go without... To struggle without it. My need is so strong... It’s stone-busting strong. You know I crave it so bad... So bad it’s sinful. And it hurts me so good... And you’ve got the goodies. I just need to have it... You need to breath it. Just blow it on along my way. I need your second-hand smoke... Second-hand smoke. I need thy kingdom to come... Not nicotine gum. In through the nose, Out through the mouth... I need your second-hand smoke.

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Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib

Date: 9/13/2021 6:30:00 AM

I’m rolling in this one. My most imminent battle. I’ve been off and on for years. Smoking took my mother at age 50, I’m 49 and planning my next and dare I say last quit date on the anniversary of her death next week. This made me think of “Breathing” by Kate Bush. Love your use of repetition, a fave. ~Maureen

Michael Kalavik
Date: 9/13/2021 7:24:00 AM

Thanks for your comments. I started smoking in the Navy. Two packs a day. They were $2.50 a carton from the ship's store when at sea. Haven't smoked tobacco in 34 years. Still sometimes smoke one in my dreams.