Clouds of Smoke, Raining Ashes

Clouds of Smoke, Raining Ashes

"Just keep breathing", says Johnny.
Who knew I'd reach out to a cartoon for motivation?

As I take the last hit from the suicide stick trembling between my fingertips,
I think of this.
"Just keep breathing".
In through the nose and out of the mouth of an ex-smoker,
comes the breath of someone avoiding death.

What's worse than seeing a hearse at your grandfather's funeral?
Seeing the mass of dirt upon the green grass.
Seeing the six foot square of which this coffin is lowered in with care.
Losing all control as I remember this, lighting up yet another stick.

Someday, I will pay him a visit.
But not like this.
I refuse to do it!
Follow in his footsteps like this.
I will make the better decision,
I am doing this for me.

"Just keep breathing",
I am quitting smoking!
"Just keep breathing",
I inhale so deep, my lungs are shaking.
"Just keep breathing",
As the final clouds of smoke disappear in the air,
"Just keep breathing",
As the final rain of ashes hit the ground without a sound,
"Just keep breathing",
I realize that I choose life!