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!"
