Other People's Cigarettes

I want to make you laugh
tell you a joke or a funny pantomime
in exchange for your smoke
a profound definition in a rhyme
about how the meaning of truth is an action
the act of conformity to fact
on taking other people's cigarettes
but, it's this 5 cent jones, in my bones
keeps me from thinkin' clear
nothing to occupy my mind
while I contemplate truth
thoroughly & thoughtfully considering
the bad feelings that come from bummin'
or dumbin' down my self-worth
smoking is living beyond my means
I don't like to dogged around
poverty sucks
at least I know if freedom can't be obtained
I have my day dreams on a warm January day
now it's my conscience & regrets
the guilty emptiness that comes from
other people's cigarettes
the truth that comes from quitting
to just give it up
I just want to belong
I wish I knew how to be strong
I wish I knew how to tell myself
smoking is wrong
even when I think it makes me happy
sympathetic sadness when I reflect
on taking other people's cigarettes
no think
no smoke