Grey

dusty layers of neglect

crumbling pages of anthologies past

sat upon streaked and unkempt shelves

as ashes whisper in chimney's draught.

ghost of a cough

and striking of a match

tobacco, musky and sweet

smoky breaths, a three pipe problem

a clever taste upon the lips.

bits of leaves gently rubbed between fingers

the smoothness of a pipe

bite down hard with clarity's strength

"By gum, I have the answer!"