apocalypse

his last days
were far from pretty
damaged lungs
beyond repair
were underinflated
fighting for oxygen
like a fish out of water
every muscle knotted
every nerve ready
every breath a battle
inhale, exhale
taken for granted
for so many years
as a child in milwaukee
as a young man
dancing with his future
a sentimental journey
for his heart
his soul
welcoming his children
into the world
three boys
and finally his
little girl
the apple of his eye
breathing was easy then
no warning on packages
no bans on it use
camel's were his friend
unfiltered and pure
brackish clouds of smoke
trailed behind him
toxic in nature
he would soon learn
too late for him
the will of the cigarette
was stronger
than the will of the man
even when that demon
emphasyma began
its slash and burn attack
leaving shriveled bronchia
in its wake
he tried
he failed
his world shrank
beyond recognition
a bed, a chair
an oxygen tank
a camel
the four horsemen
of his apocalypse