It isn’t really about

the nicotine

or the tars and resins.

It isn’t about the warnings.

It’s really about

the snap of the lighter

when you shut it,

the placement of the flame

so close to your face,

the first wraith of smoke

ascending into the air

like your life

and the love

you feel like the burning

tip beneath the ash.

That’s what its really about,

honey.

You got a light?