cigs

who didn't smoke
back then.
who didn't have a pack of
luckys,
a cartoon of kools
or tarreytons
in the cupboard.
an ashtray full of butts.
who didn't light up
in the morning, one last
cig
before bed.
one after dinner,
after breakfast,
while walking the dog,
after making love.
sneaking one in the boys
room.
who didn't smoke
back then.
a stogie
by the fire
with a tumbler of scotch.
a lung dart with a beer.
a bar full of blue haze.
doctors smoked.
pregnant women smoked.
the movie screen was full
of smoke.
the president smoked.
priests in their cloaks
lit up
behind the rectory.
light em if you got em
the GIs said.
one last puff before
the firing squad let loose
with a flurry
of bullets.