Smoke

He holds his pain

Twisted in his stomach

Relief sought in cigarettes,

Medicinal for unpleasant 

Memories

Even as it kills him

It seems to save him. 

So he sits outside

Under the umbrella

Away from the sun

Shielded from the heat

And light of day

Purses his lips

Kissing salvation

From death defining

And ransacked remembrance 

Purity 

Transcendence 

Up up into smoke

Acrid burning

Red ash now gray

Falling down

As his eyes squint

And Swirling black clouds

Enfold him.