We were young addicts, though we didn't know it. We knew we could quit whenever we wanted.

It hooked us.
Some in high school,
Others in college like me.
We were young addicts
Though we didn’t
Actually know it. Besides,
It helped us to study, gave
Us some sophiscation.
We knew we could quit
Whenever we wanted.
We’d seen all those
Splendid vintage movies
Starring Bogie, Dietrich,
Wayne, Gardner, and many
Others doing it. It kept
Out hands busy but, unfor-
Tunately, not productive.
Blowing the rings was
Amusing both to ourselves
And to on-lookers. Sometimes
We’d place bets. Panicking
When we realized we were
Almost out, hence running
To the store to re-supply
In 20 degree winter weather
Wasn’t amusing. Nonetheless,
Hooked was hooked, which
Contradicted a bit our belief
That we could quit on the
Slightest whim. We saw the
World was changing cause
Our kids were being taught
In school against such an
Evil practice, nay, health
Assassin. One day, when
There’s no more drinking
And smoking, what will
People do at parties, we
Wondered. We could go
Back to dancing like at
Parties in westerns. Sans
Fiddlers, of course. If I
Have a deathbed, though,
One that cannot be reversed,
I’ll take some more drags.
Some shots, too, without the
Dreary worry of calories or
Damage to vitals or loss of
Brain cells. Is life a blast
Or isn’t it?