Smoking a Cigarette

Smoking A Cigarette 

After the dishes and the scrubbing 
of a small body, brushing teeth, last treats
and a sip of water. After a few extra tickles (some
for him, some for me) and one last book.

After my wife slips out to go 
to choir practice with other women
who need a place to sing 
their longing and full-bodied desire 
into the world.

After lunches are packed and the dog
is picked up after. After the end 
of the baseball game and the news 
that never seems to change. After the towels 
are all folded and the coffee is ground 

for the morning, I take my perch 
on the deck. I make a little fire 
in my hand and cup it close
to my face. I sit out and welcome
the quiet arrival of rain.