CHEWING GUM AND CIGARETTE SMOKE

I remember that you smoked, that is
what I remember about you
now
most of all.
Of course
you never smoked when with me
non smoker that I was,
that I am,
and of the opinion
like many non smokers
before me
that I’d rather lick an ashtray
than kiss a smoker.

You were forever chewing gum.
I remember that too.

I also remember that I loved you.
I loved you
with a passion burning brighter
than the tips of a thousand
cigarettes.

You tasted of chewing gum
and your hair sometimes
smelt of cigarette smoke
and you loved me,
you loved me,
loved me enough to never smoke
when with me,
not even with a drink
or after sex.

You loved me
and I loved you too
but now
when my mind trips over
thoughts
of you
the first thing I remember
is that you smoked
and your kisses tasted of
chewing gum
and faintly dead air.

Edward Lee