The Cremater

[Polar Bear]

This really evoked a lot of emotion and imagery from me, but that's probably since I've started and stopped and started and stopped smoking so many times. I want a cigarette now.

A couple thoughts:

The Cremater

With a wisp I peel a paper from ever well prepared packet.
Slip the small cotton safety cylinder from its sleeve
and slide it, between forefinger and thumb,
Where already nestled is a stiff pinch of Sky Blue Drum.
Two, perhaps three rolls, a quick fold, a swift flick
and a right to left lick seals the gum on this deadly little jacket.

Ch-ch, ch-clip
goes my lighter, blue and amber igniter, cancer's inciter.
Slowly I inhale. Dry tobacco crackles in the heat,
And cackles at his relaxing deceit.
Ghostly tendrils swirl and entwine my mind with such calming confusion
That I notice not his deathly intrusions.
Blindly I suck another burning breath of bronchial bad luck. The 'bad luck' bit didn't feel in line with the rest of the tone - almost comical, but that might be what you're expressing.
Blood vessels swell. Circulation slows.
He feathers numbness into my toes and I blame the weather as they grow colder. This is an amazing description that can only come from a smoker. I've also noticed my numb little toes, and tried to blame the cold.
The wretched reek of his grey ashen wreath wrapped about my shoulders
Signals to all but I that I am getting older. Rapidly. I feel this 'rapidly' breaks the rhythm for me.

I've not yet stubbed by time he embeds the macabre dread;
That by his wicked wish I am already dead.
In the grasp of his fetid mist I will gasp
and suffocate beneath his weight,
And curse with a despairing final wheeze from decrepit lungs
The habit that began with such ease when I was so young.

So I ask myself,
"If that's what's to come,
What's the damn harm in having another one?"
And that thought, right there, that casual swear,

That's when he won.

_____

FYI,
The Sky Blue Drum referred to in line 4 is a brand of tobacco. I'm unsure if this is well known enough to work, or if the overall image is sufficient for the conclusion to be drawn?

Also very unsatisfied with the title.

Any suggestions/feedback much appreciated.

Thanks a lot,

I like this poem. I'm not knowledgeable enough to critique the form or meter but the sensory conjuration is pretty spot on for the drama of smoking. Thanks for sharing!