u/EducationalParty3270

Thank you, tobacco, for being my hope.

 

My head so full of people arguing,

united solely through self-hate. 

 

I went back to your words,

my chest tightened as my jaw relaxed.

 

The noise was so constant, a choir,

singing of my innate inadequacy. 

 

I went back to your words,

smoke disappeared; the promises remained. 

 

When I could see the joy around me.

Smiling faces, laughing, not mine.

 

I went back to your words,

fingers stained but the noise eased. 

  

My mind travelled to a silent land.

Another number on a page, a warning, an example.

 

Tears, flowers, hugs, decay,

“Those damn cigarettes” they would say.

 

A noble story, a rehearsed prayer

Please, let those words be true.

 

Thank you, tobacco, for not living up to your promises.