"Two wrongs may not make a right but a thousand wrongs make a writer.”

Monday, December 31, 2012

Sexy Smoking (Magpie Tales)



                                                     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:

Helen said...

I 'totally' get this!!!

Happy New Year

Yvonne Osborne said...

Happy New Year, Helen. Thank you!

C.M. Jackson said...

Tis' the season for those holiday smokes and meeting a new or familiar face....Happy New Year!

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

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.

Other Mary said...

Yes, you're right. Good observation.

Berowne said...

"The conversations always lag when the smokers leave the party."
The conversation lags and the breathable air begins... :-)

Carrie Van Horn said...

A brilliant response to the prompt Yvonne! Happy New Year to you! :-)

Yvonne Osborne said...

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!

Wayne Pitchko said...

smokin good....thanks for sharing your words

Yvonne Osborne said...

Wayne,
Hello! Thank you so much. I'm happy to see a new face in the new year!

Anne Gallagher said...

I just love your imagery in words, Yvonne. LOVE it!

Happy Happy New Year!!

hyperCRYPTICal said...

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]

Kathe W. said...

nice poem on the smokers circle....I quit long before they were banished to the cold outdoors...

Jinksy said...

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.

Anonymous said...

@ berowne - ha!

Yvonne - Here, I've lit two, take one. I've no doubt we can conjure up chat to make ears burn.

Golden Eagle said...

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. :)

Yvonne Osborne said...

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!

Theresa Milstein said...

Oh, it all sounded so sexy until the narrator had to wipe the ashtrays. I enjoyed it!

Anthony Duce said...

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.

rel said...

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

Frances Garrood said...

Brilliant, Yvonne. I loved it!

Liza said...

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.

Yvonne Osborne said...

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!

G-Man said...

Happy New Year Yvonne...
Here's hoping that I'll see more of you on Friday!!!
(hint)(hint).....:P

Yvonne Osborne said...

G-Man, Thanks! See you soon (hint,hint).

Lyn said...

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!!

Yvonne Osborne said...

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.

Deborah said...

Another non-smoker here who knows exactly what you mean!
Happy New Year, Yvonne.

Yvonne Osborne said...

Deborah,
Thanks. Nice to be understood.
HNY!

Half Baked Goods said...

Good writing skills you have.

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