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2nd hand smoke
Tobacco consumption, by way of smoking, poses an enormous threat to the health of everyone exposed to it. To the smoker and to those who are exposed to ambient smoke created by those smoking it. It's called toxic "air pollution" folks!
In some ways, it is like alcohol, a legalized/lethalized drug.
The addictive component of tobacco is nicotine. A substance which, today, can be obtained by applying an epidermal "patch" to one's own skin. Preferrably, to the forehead where someone's 1st tattoo should go. Pharmacies also sell chewing gum containing nicotine for those trying to end their smoking habit. More power to them.
Smoking tobacco is associated with increased occurrences of lung cancer, cancers of all kinds(ie. mouth and throat), emphysema, heart disease, stroke and digestive tract ulcers and other illnesses, diseases and/or health disorders. Those exposed to 2nd-hand smoke can be even more susceptible as smokers exhale additional toxins than just those to be found in the tobacco itself.
To this I say: Before lighting-up next time. Empty the tobacco into your mouth and chew on it for as long as you can stand to do so. If this does not help you break the habit, then I don't know what to say. Hypnosis may help you.
It might also help to think of others who you love and matter to you. Your spouse who may have to kiss your diseased mouth and/or your children who may suffer with impaired health and may lose you to terminal disease prior to when they can become financially independent adults.
The increased costs, to you, in terms of health care, life insurance premiums and the incredible cost of tobacco products themselves, taxed beyond all comprehension.
The photograph is of Jack Wild just before his death in 2006 from mouth cancer. Wild attributed his cancer to cigarette smoking and an addiction to alcohol prior to being diagnosed in 2000. Wild received an Oscar nomination for his role as the "Artful Dodger" in the 1968 movie musical "Oiiver". Wild also starred in the popular children's TV program "H.R. Pufnstuf" in the late 1960's, which was based loosely on or bore a resemblance to the 1939 movie musical of the "Wizard Of Oz".
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Submitted: Sep 15, 2007
Reads: 559
Comments: 23
Likes: 6
2nd-Hand Smoke
By E. J. T. BRADLEY
Truly No Joke!
2nd Hand Smoke!
Why Is It Called
2nd Hand Smoke?
Cancer and Stroke From
2nd Hand Smoke!
Can Visit Us All
Without A Toke?
Time We Awoke To
2nd Hand Smoke!
Losing Our Bets With
2nd Hand Smoke!
If You’re A Bloke
Who Likes To Smoke!
Try To Think Of
Others?You'll Choke!
Next Time You Smoke
Go Take A Soak!
Cast Off That Yoke!
That Makes You Smoke!
Don’t Be Surprised!
When You Should Croak!
Breathing All That
2nd Hand Smoke.
Copyright (C) Edward J. Bradley 2007
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Comments:
Hmm.... Well, I found this to be really simple, yet it does, at least, make an effort to embody the feelings of second-hand smoke. I am sorry, but I did not find this poem to be on the same level as some of your other pieces. This feels like a sixth grader wrote it.
Posted: Sep 15, 2007
Bravo Ed! freedom to smoke they say but what about the freedom they take from those who have to breathe it? we have no choice of freedom what so ever when it comes to breathing thier crap. it's either breathe or die, and if second hand smoke is near you have no choice. even when I'm outside you can smell it and I wouldn't mind if it was just smoke but it's what comes with it out of those diseased lungs "yuck"
another thing is breathing all of toxins they spray killing the weeds. pesticides and such but alas that is another story. thanks for sharing Ed. take care.....katie
Posted: Sep 15, 2007
The poem is fun, and the prelude really hits home. It makes me realise how lucky I am to have been able to stop smoking. I had prayer for a habit (that had begun when I was about 10 years old) in 1993. Soon afterwards, I started finding the effects of smoke on my breathing intolerable. I think the last cig I smoked was in 1997. Some interesting information included about an actor I loved, Jack Wild, a monumental talent who went on to develop a drink problem, (something else I suffered from) and which he licked, sadly to suffer as depicted by Ed. Good work!
Posted: Sep 15, 2007
Good one MrB ! I worry for my grandchildren who are living with family members who smoke. With no regard to the childrens future, and the problems they will someday face, because of the addiction they cannot or will not end. Sad, how inconsiderate they can be with no thought of others. Maybe your poem will hit home and spare at least a few. thanks for sharing.
Posted: Sep 16, 2007
Hi Ed, Fortunately I can do a lot of my own counter brain washing with the children I teach about smoking and the dangers of secondhand smoke. It's a great thing that smoking is banned in all public places here. There's even thought of banning smoking in cars when children are present. Don't know why that wasn't the first place to start!! PS I have rated your work as requested and have been very happy to do so. Annie
Posted: Oct 27, 2007
well what can one say! I smoke not by choice, that's a 2nd hand smoke. your target group must have had it, but how about trying to deliver the message to the golden oldies that give us no choice but to become 2nd handers.
Posted: Oct 30, 2007
So many words of truth here. I am one of the lucky ones. A two time cancer survivor... the last time was throat cancer in 2004. Although I quit smoking back in 1990, the effects of having a 3 pack a day habit and the damage from 2nd hand smoke was enough for that dreaded disease to strike me down. I think you hit the nail on the head with your target audience for your poem. If one never starts smoking... one never has to quit! Thanks for sharing your writings..............Jerry
Posted: Nov 4, 2007
I really like your style of writing poems. I especially like your previous poem Our Grampa Ed, but this one is not bad as well, although it is a little bit of a tongue twister. Anyway, keep up the good work!
Posted: Dec 16, 2007
Certainly simple, but the intended simplicity is clear, as is the meaning. Smoking is absolutely repulsive!
Posted: Dec 23, 2007
I too, have quit smoking. Best thing I could do for myself and those around me (mainly my children, one of whom is allergic and has severe asthma.) I do like the simplicity of the poem, geared toward a much younger generation. It's hard to get through to adults about what second-hand smoke really does to others.
Posted: Dec 24, 2007
This really does say it all! I wish more people would see how bad second hand smoke really is. It especially makes me so sick when I see these people smoking in cars with young kids. My mom smoked for quite a while and has now been quit for 10 years.
Posted: Feb 3, 2008
I know plenty of people who smoke (Im in highschool). Doesnt seem to be a problem. I mean, to say that second hand smoke isnt harmful would be ridiculous. But the problem isnt near as rampant as others think. Really, its just another way the gov't is trying to scare people into not smoking. (which is ridiculous in itself because the gov't reaks so much tax money off the industry).
Posted: Feb 20, 2008
i agree....smoke kills...and ive been a chainsmoker since i was 13...after reading this it hit me...i should think of quitting...like i say..i believe in the powerof words and the power you possess is very admirable indeed =)
Posted: Mar 9, 2008
Another excellent piece of work! Poetry ceases to amaze me; it can do a load of stuff. This is easily a favorite, mainly because you are telling what 2nd hand smoke does. An excellent choice for poetry!
Posted: Mar 28, 2008
Very nice. This poem really hits home for me. Probably because, when I was about 11- or 12-years-old I wrote a poem to my aunt, who was a heavy smoker, about smoking. It didn't make her stop smoking, but it did grab her attention and made her chortle a time or two.
Posted: Apr 10, 2008
madonnafan7
(not registered user)
I lived with second hand smoke from both of my parents for 19 years. I always tried to get them to quit smoking in the house telling them that it affected me too, but they didn't care. You can tell a smoker that their smoke is hurting others, but they don't want to believe it. Since they don't see the immediate results, they don't care.
Personally, I think there should be a law banning people from smoking around children including in their own home.
Anyway, I like your poem. Simple and to the point.
Posted: Jun 10, 2008
Excellent. Second hand smoke makes my asthma worse, but my husband won't stop smoking around me. Maybe he wants me to croak. Loved your poem, Ed Bradley.
Posted: Jun 11, 2008
My parents don't smoke but the rest of my family does and its really rude because they are not only poisoning themselves, but poisoning us. I am one of fourteen grandkids and we even have babies in the family but people still smoke around all of us. I just wish people would stop, I hate smoke I cough every time I breathe it in but obviously that doesn't phase anybody.
Posted: Jun 16, 2008
Passive smoking is so sad....those who avoid smoking and suffer ....and when it involves kids, i get so angry....
in india, general public hardly realises this....they have this attitude "who cares?' so sad,...
Posted: Jul 12, 2008
I liked it. Good work.
Posted: Jul 27, 2008
This is the first poem i have read from you, but i like the message, smoking and second hand smoking has been responsible for many illnesses in my family and with my friends, some recovered and somedidn't i think that it is good how you have written it and how true it actually is.
Posted: Jul 30, 2008
This was good. I like how you addressed this problem because in my opinion it is one thing to smoke and slowly kill yourself, but it is quiet another to slowly murder everyone around you. If you smoke, why not just commit suicide and do everyone else a favor.
Good, funny poem, I liked it.
Posted: Aug 12, 2008
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