i am not sure when

i stopped breathing

i was so good. for so long.

taking a deep breathe in

1.2.3.4.

my lungs filled with air

unlike decades ago.

camel cigarette smoke for as long

as i could hold it.

breathe out circles slowly.

i felt a warm buzz that lasted

from the time i sat at the bar

on rusty a stool with ripped plastic

my skinny self

stared at you playing pool

quit cigarettes before i ever quit you.

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.

ahhhhhhhhhh. i breathe out.