Menthol Memories

late night musings and remembrances

I kiss like I smoke -

breathe in the sweet, poison fumes

They fill my lungs;

My brain, sluggish with a nicotine high,

I, the sinner, the breather 

of smoky kisses.

Smiles in the direction of 

my kindred menthol soul.

(I dream of speeding down the

expressway, the sky line looming

over the inky horizon, hand out

the window, Marlboro to my mouth;

of blasting raw emotion into my skin,

of feeling the wind whip my 

hair into my face

until I feel like I can fly.)

Have you ever tasted menthol

on someone else's lips?

Held those smoky kisses in your mind,

feeling the tingle run through

your body?  Watched the

ember of a newly sparked cigarette

as it lit the darkness - tendrils of smoke

filled lust flowed

through a room...

(The memories that sustain me

are simple

and painful 

at the same time.)

These moments give me strength;

my menthol memories 

are beautiful,

sacred,

and completely,

mine.

Reviews

[Chris]

You can make a hell of a dream... and yes I remember menthol kisses and clove wishes... and fingertips dancing in the mindlight.

[Trace]

I smoked for over 20 years until the day my brother died from Emphysema at the young age of 56.
it is fun and sexy and romantic, until your lungs turn black and your skin goes grey and you can no longer enjoy sex because you cant breath.

Now for your poem: it is very sensual and erotic.
Enjoy while you are young, but get past it while you are young also.

Sex is better than smoking and it is better for you in the long run.

[Matt Sayer]

Wonderful Susannah! The post-product harm of an ineffable high, the come-down of drugs both manufactured and heart-built, the understanding that the bruise is going to hurt later, but hell with it, we'll tumble down the cliffside anyway. Pain shared is a pain lessened, and pleasure through the cuts and abrasions is often worth the hangover. Great work :)

[Coyote Poetry]

I have known many smokers. A female smoker had a edge to them. I enjoyed your description of the taste of the cigarette and the taste. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ok smoking cessation seems an appropriate intervention here!
Kidding! This is a very interesting metaphor to use and expressively presented Suzannah.