by Marshall Begel

“People should stare disapprovingly at smokers if they light up in public places,
Hong Kong’s Health Minister has said…”
—The Telegraph

I watched her light up and inhale her first hit.
She flicked at the filter and swallowed some spit.

Then, gazing above, looking devil-may-care,
She blew out a plume in the gray city air.

I raised up my chin so she’d notice my squint,
Convinced she would take such an obvious hint…

Till flustered, I shouted, “You selfish old bag—
At least have the kindness to give me a drag!”