A Poem For Life

This poem on the addiction and damage done by smoking was written by a 20-year-old Sarah Brookshire. She became a published poet at age 16. She is a single mom, has a 10-month-old son and goes to college and works part-time.

Why it Really Matters

One cigarette...2 cigarettes
I still sit here pondering,
Captured in a cloud of smoke
I still sit here wondering.

I don't understand the habit,
Why does it control
I don't understand the purpose
Why does it bare such a toll?

Three packs...Four packs
I sit here as my health decays
I feel like I've been taken for granted
They all say I'll be okay.

Why is it such a necessity?
Why does it interfere with life so much?
This think known as a cigarette that's
only used as a crutch.

Five packs...six packs
I feel my breathing getting harder
It is really starting to wear on my now
I see my health drifting farther.

No matter how hard I fight, I just can't escape it
You can't even hear my screams
I stretch, I kick, and I cry
No one understands why.

Seven packs...eight packs
It's really hurting now
I want to stop it.
I just don't know how.

I want to shout
Put your cigarette out!!
Mommy, if you love me
You'll stop my pain.

My life has been shortened
And I am not even born yet.
I feel like I have been forgotten.
Please stop hurting me

They keep saying I'll be okay
But they really just don't see
Mommy, I want to see the world
So please stop hurting me.