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Open Poetry #25
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Auguste
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By the sea

0 posted 2003-02-21 05:59 PM



Just light one up and take a toke.
Don’t worry ‘bout your friends and wife,
secondhand smoke, your children breathe.
Breathe deeply, gamble with your life.

Three uncles dead, my mother, too,
my younger brother lost a lung.
I lost one half, my sister’s sick.
How does the smoke feel on your tongue?

Each four months for the next eight years
I will be checked for its return.
In ashtray, rests your cigarette.
Go smoke it, don’t just let it burn.

I was a fool and thought it cool,
did not know I was smoking DEATH,
but now I know with each inhale,
I’ve lost more than half of my breath.

I have to go, can’t stand the smell.
It’s best to quit, but that’s your choice.
I paid the price, perhaps you won’t.
I hope you take heed to my voice.

(Three of my uncles and my mother died of smoking related diseases.  My younger brother lost a lung due to cancer.  He was only 37 at the time.  I lost half of a lung seven months ago and my breathing is now less than 50%.   My older brother and sister also have smoking related illnesses.  My tumor took two to eight years to grow.  Therefore, every four months for the next eight years I will have to be examined to make sure cancer hasn’t returned.  I was a fool, please, don’t you be)    

[This message has been edited by Auguste (02-21-2003 07:28 PM).]

© Copyright 2003 Michael Auguste - All Rights Reserved
Mistletoe Angel
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1 posted 2003-02-21 06:29 PM




(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Michael, this is so very sad but true, sweet friend, my heart goes out to you and your family, I wish there was something more I could do to make everything better for you again and I pray the operation goes okay, know my prayers and angel hugs are with you! (wipes tears) I am blessed that in second grade the teachers convinced me never to smoke with pictures, now I am zero-tolerant on all drugs and alcohol and cigarettes! (big hugggssssssss) Know we are all here for you, sweet friend, we all love you so much, God Bless You! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Michael, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
2 posted 2003-02-21 06:47 PM


A very heartleft write Michael...
You tell it like it is and maybe...
just maybe you can get one person to kick the habit.
You have great courage m'friend.
~Hugs~

~ Trace my body with your words..
And in doing so, you touch my heart. ~

nakdthoughts
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since 2000-10-29
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Between the Lines
3 posted 2003-02-21 06:59 PM


Michael it is hard to admit when you know something is not healthy and even harder to quit an addiction.  You are stronger for this and hopefully will live a long and happy life.
hugss
M

Martie
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California
4 posted 2003-02-21 07:22 PM


Michael, dear friend...thank you for writing this.  
Shlee
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since 2003-02-16
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USA
5 posted 2003-02-21 07:27 PM


Very well done.
garysgirl
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6 posted 2003-02-21 08:30 PM


Oh Lord, Michael, this touched home. I have COPD and asbestosis, asthma...very bad lung problems. I've had a pretty bad time with them since Christmas, for some reason. I personally think that most of my lung problems are from me smoking for so long....if only I had listened. I haven't smoked since 1976, but most of my problems stayed, the doctors say I was one of the unlucky ones who didn't get better when they quit smoking.
My brother has lung-related illnesses, my Grandfather died from lung cancer, and I had(have) numerous uncles, cousins, and aunts with lung problems.
I understand you completely. My prayers and thoughts are with you, friend.....

Heart Hugs,
Ethel

[This message has been edited by garysgirl (02-21-2003 08:31 PM).]

Earth Angel
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Realms of Light
7 posted 2003-02-22 01:44 PM


This is a very important message delivered in a very compelling manner!

~ As ye sow, dear Michael, so shall ye reap!

Warm hugs,
Linda

the_loner_23
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since 2002-06-08
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Jacksonville, Florida, USA
8 posted 2003-02-22 01:47 PM


This is so sad. My Mom's mother died of cancer from smoking. I like this warning to all people. Great write.

Cold hands means a warm heart

Nightshade
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just out of reach
9 posted 2003-02-22 01:52 PM


Michael dear friend, this is a very important message you have shared. I quit smoking over a year ago, although I didn't smoke very much. Still in all...it was a filthy, unhealthy habit. Well done. Chris

"Hope" is the thing with feathers-
that perches in the soul....
                  
                       -Emily Dickinson

regards2you
Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940
California
10 posted 2003-02-22 02:40 PM




Michael,

A great message and thank you for sharing your personal circumstances with us. My heart goes out to you.
Good to see you here, and may your words help someone, somewhere....
wonder if you posted this in Teen if it'd make a difference.

God bless and hugs, Pat

..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"

JamesMichael
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since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
11 posted 2003-02-22 04:12 PM


Thanks for sharing these thoughts...
hopefully some will be wise and heed the advise of your gracious words...others
will learn the hard way...James

Auguste
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By the sea
12 posted 2003-02-22 05:23 PM


Everyone, thank you for your kind words.  My doctor asked if cancer ran in my family and when I repled that it didn't, his response was that it does now, lung cancer being the specific type.  He also said something rather sobering, "Your body has now learned how to make cancer."  Yes, we do reap what we sow and it's important to make good decisions, not foolish ones like smoking.  My very best to each of you and may God bless.
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