Photography © Chad Parenteau

 

13 Ways of Looking at a Cigarette

I.   Being endlessly sucked on like a binky
      By someone who wants to
      feel the same way
      He did during his first puff
II.   A 14-year-old
      Handed a cigarette for the first time
      At a 4th of July party
      Holding it like Audrey Hepburn
III. A line cook
      On their 13th smoke break of the shift
      After a steady rush
      Ready to surrender
IV. A tall concertgoer
      Who’s not only blocking everyone’s view
      But also
      Blowing smoke in everyone’s faces
V.   A dock worker
      Stressed about his faithful union
      Looking for peace in his puffs
VI. A stern businessman
      Who drinks scotch in his office
      Clouded with smoke
VII. A painter
       Who is unaware of
       Their painting on fire
       After taking a nap with a cigarette in their hand
VIII. A college athlete
        Taking a smoke break in the locker room
        About to be caught red handed
IX.   An eager tourist
        Excited that they’re allowed to smoke
        In a restaurant in Paris
X.     A drunken fool
        Who makes an exception
        To smoke only when he drinks
        Which is everyday
XI.    A middle school teacher
         That would lose her mind
         If she did not smoke
         After dealing with 13-year-olds all day
XII.   A visiting nurse
          Who comes into a patient’s house
          Reeking of tobacco
XIII.   A grandfather
          In hospice care
          Intending on never quitting

 

Will Murray: “I am an English Major at Salem State who likes to write. I am also a musician, who likes to write about music. I hope you enjoy my work.”

Chad Parenteau is Associate Editor of Oddball Magazine.