"Campaign for a Cigarette"

Liz Armstrong


click
and flame ignites.
hiss
the suck of breath.
as life itself waits
till toxins rush
inside the blood.

to smoke
is to inhale need itself

control
relaxation
spite
boredom
carelessness
freedom
all held between
the fingertips
of my left hand

and you say I taste like an ashtray-
but what do you know?

you've never gambled with Death.
doesn't eternity in normality scare you?

Life is simple, long, and sweet;
But only to the ignorant, tame, and transparent
Learn to live
Not just survive
Take a risk

Want a drag?

Click
Hiss


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