Sneaking a Cig
Earlier Michelle jeered me
When I flicked away
A cig half done.
My cheeks burned
Beyond the wooz of nicotine.
Towel at bathroom door bottom
Extract pack from maroon sweater sleeve
Shower fan humming
Me on tub, exhaling out the high window.
Three minutes ‘til pizza
I puff faster, gazing at
Ocean breakers beyond boardwalk
Shimmering
In air or in my head.
Dad smokes
But commands against it.
His words float
Atop waves of consciousness
But his actions power
The tide of my personality.
