“I’ve never smoked a newport”

Grace Guerra | Spring 2023

I am currently staring at my last Newport cigarette
I admire its old mediocre packaging
With my lighter not yet in hand
I wonder how I could have possibly forgotten

I recall the last time I savored those bits of menthol
An overwhelming flavor
That I often associate with you
Almost too perfect on the surface
But killers on the inside
And yet you never smoked one
For you promised you'd quit

A part of me is disappointed
But not surprised
I mindlessly held onto this last Newport
Even though I know that your promise was a lie
And I know that deep down I held on
With the hope that you'd return to try

I am currently staring at an empty pack of Newports
I admire the cigarette’s gracious solitude
With my lighter now in hand
And my mind now at ease
I light my last Newport
And I’m finally able to set myself free