AN ASTHMATIC IN LOVE


The mere sight of butts in an ashtray
Made me back off, breathless
In fear of diminishing air.
My chest caved in
At the slightest assault of tobacco
I’d gag and gasp like I’d swallowed a wasp.

The faithful puffer tucked
In the intimate space of my purse
Was the kiss of life to me
Addicted as any smoker
It’s chemical puff left me light
As a curl of blue smoke.

That was before I fell in love.
Now the sight of his butt
Leaves me breathless.
It’s a joy to dispose of his ash dust
Swirl the grey refuse of habit
Under a running tap -
I barely cough at the thought.
With a little detergent
The cut crystal shines like romance.

Since he and I became we,
The wheeze exhaled
- exiled -
because love was in the air.



(c)Deb Matthews - Zott