Click here to return to Poetry links

Another year goes whistling past my grave;
I think of you, alone out there and brave
Reclaiming all the love that you once gave
To this dead fool who was tobacco's slave.

I played a fool's game of lethal poker
And found myself less than mediocre,
Whose heart and lungs were their own revoker
'Cause I lived and died a foolish smoker.

And if you hear a whisper in the wind
Know the soul the spectre did rescind
Has touched your ear and cautioned you and grinned,
Embarrassed to have lived undisciplined.

So heed this song and hold it in your heart
Which dead dry bones beneath this sod impart
Lest you should find your ashes on the cart:
If you don't smoke, please children, do not start!

Click here to return to Poetry links