Just One

Walking out
One cigarette lit in his hand
He had a strong grip
As expected of a soldier
A brief moment of r e l e a s e
[CAPTIVATED HIM]
Smoke lazily filled his mind
Satisfied, he let out a puff
But too quickly the cigarette grew heavy between his thick fingers
A burdening weight
A voice, a reminder, Emily's hatred
It all held him in place
Throwing the cigarette down
He stepped on it
Boldly
Grinding it into the cement

As the flame went down
He watched...
Dreams dim to ash