Sitting on a bench on a calm afternoon
The birds in the distance somehow enhance the cigar’s flavor
The light breeze makes their presence known

After a draw, ashes come loose and fall onto the back of other hand
The feeling stings, but they don’t move
They are watching

Watching the skin burn reminds them of their fragility
Hearing the sizzle, the building pain, but no movement

Still watching and feeling
How similar this burning has been
The burn from a lover, a child, family, a friend

Then…done

The burning stops
Time for another draw
Eventually the burning always stops
Get back to enjoying the day