James Dean in “Rebel Without a Cause” 1955
I turned to it back at too-tender an age
when a dollar an hour was minimum wage
when the white house was home to Mamie and Ike
and my ride was a nameless old coaster-brake bike
it was unfiltered Luckies or Camels I’d smoke
and it took a few weeks to learn not to choke
we’d roll up a pack in our tight tee-shirt sleeve
like James Dean before his crash taught us to grieve
it’s quite likely that every word I ever wrote
had a nicotine birth in the back of my throat
though I might gain some years if I cold-quit today
what the hell good is time without something to say
(originally posted December 2013)
Poesy plus Polemics 
“chuckle” loved it, Camels oh yea, if it weren’t for the asthma i’d be right with you 😉
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it’s second nature at this point
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Had the habit for 18 years. Been free of it now, for almost 8.
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that’s wonderful, Liza
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This was a great poem, Paul. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
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good point.
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thanks kindly
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Me, I was in love with the Marlboro Man….sigh.
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must have been his horse
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Maybe the mustache and hat.
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A poignant affirmation – well done.
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appreciate that
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Very nice. One of those habits that’s deceptively difficult to kick (permanently, at least). I always find myself coming back to it to some degree.
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I quit once for 5 years – cannot explain why I went back
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Seems that those explanations for one’s return are more often elusive than not. My most recent return didn’t even involve cravings or any sort of explicit motivation; of all things it was a coupon that arrived in the mail and, in true consumerist fashion, brought the uneasy feeling that it’d be better off used than unused.
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I have nominated you for the 2013 Blog of the Year Award. You May Accept, You May Decline, You May Appreciate the Honour and yet be Disinclined, But whatever You May Be, Be Sure You are Valued and Exceptional, To Me! Please Find the information for this award at my post: http://booknvolume.com/2013/12/03/cheerfully-chu…-and-then-some/
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I can’t thank you enough for your generous recognition, Morgan
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You are most welcome and trust me, it is entirely deserved 🙂
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It sounds like your starting had no just stimulus. This poem hints that you’re quitting requires one. Maybe not. Just because is always the best reason in these type matters.
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excellent points
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Oh, I almost forgot, loved the poem.
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I thank you for that
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Very evocative 🙂 Makes me yearn for a rollie… Best not tell the Wife.
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ha ha – I won’t say a word
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Quit twice– the second time for good. Still miss it sometimes. But lost my brother to cigarettes at age 56. Way too young. I understand your point though as it comes through clearly in your wonderful poem.
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I’ve quit a few times – but it never stuck
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Reblogged this on Poesy plus Polemics.
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Reblogged this on muddled musings of a mangled mind.
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thank you for sharing my poem with your readers
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it is my honor
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Very good post about addiction!
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I know it too well
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We obviously share the same taste for tobacco – whereas US beers have never done it for me toasted tobacco from your land was always my smoke of choice – Camels are so hideously expensive (getting on for £10 a pack) here now plus I take filter tips these days. But memories of the old days, yes!
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they are heavily taxed here, too, but no where near that exorbitant price
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Yes, I remember: 25 cents a pack of Pall Mall from the machine at the bowling alley! What a deal! Now 60 years later I still can’t walk by a wisp of smoke and not feel the long longing to inhale deeply . . .
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addictions never die, it seems, no matter how deeply they sleep
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Reblogged this on OUR POETRY CORNER.
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thank you for sharing my poem with your readers
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Nice poem. Love this line – “had a nicotine birth in the back of my throat”. I offered to go buy cigs for my husband when he was trying to quit over Christmas one year. They are his little bit of patience, although he’s now on the electronic version.
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I remain in the habit – thanks for the kind words
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Chesterfields and Luckys… Yup!
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still making prodigious use of my ashtray…
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Wonderful poem with brilliant, pointed final line. What the hell good is time with none to listen, really hear what we say.
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glad you enjoyed it
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Nice nostalgic reflection on the times back then.
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thanks kindly
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Welcome.
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Wonderful artistry. The shape and plain-spoken words of your poem do the picture of James Dean proud. I smoked briefly my senior year in high school trying to look sophisticated. It did not work so I quit.
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ha ha – didn’t work for me either – but, alas, the habit remains
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No one Ever looked Cooler than James Dean did with a cigarette in his mouth!
I used to smoke too. Quit for 10 years, started again (stupid) and finally quit for good.
Good luck to you Paul and thanks for the great read!
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glad you enjoyed it, penny
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I grew up in those days too, Paul. Your poem brings back memories. Everyone smoked. Fortunately I was allergic or would also probably be with you there.
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glad to know you could connect to it, betty
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