Warm now on the edge of summer.
Still, I shiver gathering coffee to my lips.
I war with the craving for a cigarette.
When I take the morning deep into my chest,
The air lacks nicotine.
Years since I kicked that habit,
Yet some mornings it does seem
Nothing could be finer
Than caffeine and nicotine—
But it would not be you and me
Starting our day outside on the covered patio,
Watching for butterflies,
Drinking our coffee and smoking our cigarettes,
Dreams drifting in clouds of nicotine and steam.
Hearing The Mermaids Sing 