supporting the habit

she smoked to breathe,
to keep her lips steady as we spoke.
so every winter the back steps
took in her cold body,
supporting her habit as we talked.

I drank to move.
I'd shake as I wrapped my fingers around
a mug like the crook of a cane.
every winter gave us arthritis.
so we dealt with the stale smell of dried smoke and coffee,
associating them with endearment,
as long as we could speak and feel.

june 26, 2006