My Last Day

It is cold out there. The first day of the year here in the Chi, is the last day for many of us. Tomorrow all public places ban smoking… and everybody is fine with that… except me. I was looking at the losers on the news talking their smack. “It’s a good thing we don’t have to suffer from second hand smoke when we are waiting for the train or bus.” Bullshit lady… you’re gonna die someday anyway especially judging from that double neck of yours. I put on my coat. 1

“Now I can just go out and have a good time without somebody blowing smoke in my face.” Dude please you look like you take crack with your Bud anyway… its no worse than you drinking your ass off, matter of fact damaged kidneys are worse than damaged lungs dumbass. I grabbed my black box of Diarums off the table and walked out the door. It was not long until I came to the corner of 79th&Ashland and stood at the bus stop. I took out my box and gently slid out the long black cancer stick. As I put it to my lips the murmurs of the crowd began. 2

“So unlady like.” 3

“You could go to jail.” Said an older man. I ignored him and everyone else. I then took out my matches, yes I use matches I’m old-fashioned I guess, struck a match and took in the sweet warmth of a small freedom. I kept this one in longer than I usually did. I wanted it to last but then a tap on my shoulder. Wouldn’t you know it was mister policeman right behind me? “Mam, you are gonna to have to put that cigarette out.” I exhaled in his face. 4

“And why is that, officer?” I inhaled. 5

“It’s illegal to smoke on city property now?” The crowd was behind him nodding and co-signing. He or should I say they did not know that I am just one chick that does not give a fuck… but I do at the same time. I exhaled. 6

“Actually the bill does not go into effect until tomorrow.” I inhaled. 7

“You’re right” he replied, “but as a common courtesy to others waiting on the bus could you put out your cigarette?” I exhaled. 8

“Courtesy?” I laughed, “Okay as a courtesy I will put out my cigarette if…” I inhaled. “If as a courtesy to me, that woman goes home and takes a bath because she smells like shit!” The officer turned to see an older woman dressed in a moldy mink coat with what looked like bird crap on the right arm. 9

“Look miss…” I put my hand in his face and inhaled. 10

“And if you are not going to do that as a courtesy to me, then back off… This is my last day.”11