a room full of smoke

we grew up

in smoke filled rooms.

blue and grey

puffs

billowing from the mouths

of parents,

adults, young toughs.

cigarettes cupped

in hands,

cigars,

a pipe here and there,

a symbol

of being learned.

packs

of pall malls stuffed

in the sleeves

of sailors.

yellowed fingers,

and teeth,

ashtrays full,

burn holes in nearly

everything.

matches and lighters.

gangsters and molls.

presidents and kings.

thugs

and priests.

three out of four doctors

recommended

mentholated

gold kings.

nuns behind the chapel,

blowing

smoke rings.

who wasn't a nicotine

fiend?