I see you standing there, cigarette in hand;

You’re smiling.

Why does it take the click of a lighter to share a laugh with a friend?

I try to take vicarious pleasure as you take a puff;

I do not understand.

Where is the joy in knowing you are turning your life into ash?

Rings of white escape your mouth;

You cough.

Can you really not live without killing yourself a little every day?

You cannot live without your cigarette;

Look beyond the smoke.

What about us, the people who can’t live without you?

I take the cigarette and stub it;

You, are looking at me.

I dare you not to take another one.

I dare you to be happy without those three inches of rolled up tobacco.

I dare you to think of those who think about you.

I dare you not to burn away your life, cigarette by cigarette, puff by puff.

I dare you to stop smoking.

I dare you, to live.