A LITTLE REST FROM BREATHING

I smoked a cigarette today,

Puffed at a soggy tab,

For I had dropped it in the rain.

Though the Sun, he was out in full;

Split all the heavenly clouds asunder,

But not these fatal simmers.

And even the birds gathered,

To watch my painless journey

Down a fetid pipe.

And all their eyes sang of their hollow goodbyes,

To the freshness of the Summer breeze,

As I calmly inhaled.

But the Sun had his pity on me,

For I bathed dreaming for a short while,

Half-asleep in the cancer.

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Image: Skull Of A Skeleton With Burning Cigarette (1885-86)