Skeletal Satire

by Adele Robins

(After Head of a skeleton with a burning cigarette by Vincent Van Gogh)

hollowed-out eyes light up

life temporarily turned on again,

a glowing poker face

inhales the final fumes;

warmed bones breathe,

although the chest still rattles,

teeth grip hard,

determined to drag it out

as long as possible,

remembering how good it felt,

no shame,

no guilt,

ash drops into its anatomical ashtray, ignoring the no-smoking signs,

no damage done,

just muscle memories flexed.

Next

Previous