Val Weaver
Des Moines Branch, Iowa
Pictures of me…
taken in the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s
show me always with a cigarette in my hand
held between
the fore and middle fingers
the epitome of
sophisticated style.
I turn the pages
of the photo albums
and crave the comfort of
that mentholated burn.
Bob Pace plays something funky in the background…
I inhale.
Pick up the glass of Jack and seven,
hold it to the candle
and gaze into its
soft amber
glow…
I exhale.
And take a sip.
Love the sound of ice
against the glass.
I inhale…
My lover says something strangely funny and
I laugh
smoke drifts across the table into his eyes.
I cross my legs, lean forward
and say, “Sorry.”
I take another puff
and I am the star
of my own
1940s
Bette Davis
movie.
Really enjoyed that! Your words immediately rendered an entire vivid scene with colorful characters in my mind. Beautifully done. Thanks for sharing a few moments in time.
Val Weaver has captured an era with such vivid imagery and succinctness.
Kudos!
Val, I love this. It reminds me of the elegant way my mother smoked when I was a child. You have captured perfectly the languid sophistication of the ambience and the movements. Thank you for sharing.