Image by R.A.D. Stainforth
They stand shoulder-to-shoulder
backs to the wind with collars up
and
scarves swirling mare’s tails.
The controlled
burn smolders between them
like the
embers they flick at their feet.
The tinkle
of laughter carries through the window glass
as they
step off the porch to disappear,
taking the party with them.
I wipe out the ashtrays, an envious outsider.
You can check out more responses to the above picture at The Mag, a weekly online writing prompt provided by Tess Kincaid.
Although a non-smoker, I always feel like the juicy conversations are taking place out of earshot in smoking circles. Deals struck. Promises made. Secrets divulged. The conversations always lag when the smokers leave the party.
Happy New Year to one and all, and may you never run out of good conversation.
31 comments:
I 'totally' get this!!!
Happy New Year
Happy New Year, Helen. Thank you!
Tis' the season for those holiday smokes and meeting a new or familiar face....Happy New Year!
Now that's an insight! Love this piece, Yvonne. It has great imagery and emotion packed in so few lines.
May your New Year be bright.
Yes, you're right. Good observation.
"The conversations always lag when the smokers leave the party."
The conversation lags and the breathable air begins... :-)
A brilliant response to the prompt Yvonne! Happy New Year to you! :-)
Ms. Jackson,
And you are an old familiar face who I am glad to see here once again! Happy New Year.
Tricia,
Thank you! And I hope your new year is peaceful and happy.
Mary,
Thanks! Happy New Year.
Berowne,
Well, yeah....that too. Thanks!
Carrie,
Thank you so much. Have a great 2013!
smokin good....thanks for sharing your words
Wayne,
Hello! Thank you so much. I'm happy to see a new face in the new year!
I just love your imagery in words, Yvonne. LOVE it!
Happy Happy New Year!!
I really like this clever response to the prompt Yvonne and it gives an interesting insight into the thoughts on non-smokers who have the maturity not to condemn or dehumanise.
As one of those evil selfish people who smoke - believe me - this is how I feel after reading comments on other posts - you have my total respect.
Believe me also - the little huddled masses in the cold outside do not want to be isolated as they are - they have no choice.
Again - respect.
Anna :o]
nice poem on the smokers circle....I quit long before they were banished to the cold outdoors...
Mmmm....wiping out those ashtrays is an unpleasant task, but somebody has to do it! I know what you mean about clannish smokers, though I've never been tempted to join them.
@ berowne - ha!
Yvonne - Here, I've lit two, take one. I've no doubt we can conjure up chat to make ears burn.
Interesting poem! I can't say I've ever wanted to join smokers (particularly when it's cold and snowy, like it is now . . .) but I love your use of words. :)
Anne,
Thank you so much. xxx000
Anna,
Thank you! There are always two sides to things. I decided there was more to this prompt than a dirty ashtray and I decided to cast it in a different light. Thanks again.
Kathe,
Thanks!
Jinksy,
Thanks for commenting. I just want to join in the conversation but it's too cold outside!
Rebelle,
Ha! I'd almost take you up on that, if I only could. Thanks and Happy New Year.
Eagle,
Thank you so so much!
Oh, it all sounded so sexy until the narrator had to wipe the ashtrays. I enjoyed it!
Wonderful words, creating the type of images that become moody paintings in my head. I envy smokers having the excuse to escape as they do. There is also a part of me questioning their sanity.
All that glitters is not gold comes to mind.
You've shown the reasson so many, youth in particular, give into the allure of smoking.
rel
Brilliant, Yvonne. I loved it!
At my former place of employment they build a plastic enclosure so smokers wouldn't freeze in the wind. We called it "The Butt Stop." You reminded me of that.
Theresa,
Well, somebody has to!
Thanks.
Anthony,
I bet you could draw this scene...perfectly. Thanks!
Rel,
Thanks. I appreciate it.
Frances,
Thank you so much.
Liza,
I used to work at one of those places too....seemed like all the fun people were crammed in that old cloak room-converted smoking room. Thanks!
Happy New Year Yvonne...
Here's hoping that I'll see more of you on Friday!!!
(hint)(hint).....:P
G-Man, Thanks! See you soon (hint,hint).
I really like all the images..poor smokers, collars up against the wind..I see them every day, catching a last drag...
Best wishes for great conversations!!
Lyn,
Hello! Yes, part of me always wants to join in and catch a whiff of second-hand smoke. Catch a snippit of conversation. Thank you so much for adding a say.
Another non-smoker here who knows exactly what you mean!
Happy New Year, Yvonne.
Deborah,
Thanks. Nice to be understood.
HNY!
Good writing skills you have.
Impressed with the post here.
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