Smoke puffs and ponders before
billowing and wisping through a window
exchanging a cool breeze for the final
grey thoughts of a weary traveler
chewing on the nub of a glowing cigar
that is soon grasped between
the index and middle finger of his hand
gripping a greying steering wheel
while the other reaches for a mug.
Steam rises with pondering participation
from the mug filled to the brim
and much too hot to gulp
and weary traveler gags,
thoughtlessly throttled awake
as grey ash plunks down
upon his pant leg
causing him to place down
with speed and care the mug
so as to avoid marking up
the other leg with the piping
stains of a meaningless musing.
Brushing away streaks of grey carelessness
and dissatisfied with the results
weary traveler takes another go
at his mug and sips,
squinting into the sunny overcast
and seeing, perhaps a mile or so,
the dark seduction of a stormy sky
and he sighs into the air spicy
with rain, exhaust, and cigar smoke.
Drops plunk poignantly upon
the windshield of weary traveler’s car
as he takes a deliberating drag
on the soggy remains of a cigar
now unpleasant to puff
and tosses it out the window
and into the air heavy with mist
as the pitter-patter picks up pace
and wind pushes weary traveler’s
car from side to side
plunking with rapid speed
drops of rainfall
bringing traffic
to a halting
stop.
