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.