The soft puff on the tobacco scented cylinder followed by the orange glow at the end of the stick and then the slow exhale through the nose letting out the bad energy allowing the stress of life to exit your now calm demeanor. The grey misty wisp through the air so light and smooth, and the magic of the weightless white ghosty wrap flicking and sliding around itself, makes the act of smoking look so mesmerizing. I don't smoke, but often think about it. I love the image of the strong, dapper gentlemen hollywood portrays lighting up a quick one; close-up scene of the smoke exiting his perfect lips. I imagine myself in a grey suit and the expensive black tie looking classy, smoking the tobacco deep in my fragile lungs with a dark brunette clinging to my side, staring at me as I peer off into the distance contemplating the next thug I will murder with my silenced pistol, and a glass of scotch on the rocks sitting on the balcony in front of me, glass sweating from the warm nights breeze. "Lisbon is nice this time of year," the slim, green eyed beauty says in a dirty french accent. I take another gasp of smoke and grunt "mmm" in recognition before taking a hansom sip of the hotel's finest scotch, still gazing at the purple and orange skyline in the horizon.
I can totally see that closing scene. So beautiful. It makes smoking feel like a symbol of reflection and introspection. Like its a mask we don to distract our physical bodies while our minds are working away.
ReplyDeleteWow, that was absolutely beautiful to read. I think those old movies paint that image so gorgeously on purpose as to draw the audience in.
ReplyDeleteIt is easty to see why one would fantasize about smoking after seeing or hearing about this scene, but then just remember the reality.
The actual stench of cigarette smoke, the smoker's cough that soon follows, the tar built up on the lungs, the tobacco stains on the remaining teeth, the sickening cancer, and eventually death.
Yes smoking looks cool. I always see Audrey Hepburn with her gloves and the long cigarette holder looking classy with her slim cigarette. Smoking evokes class and sophistication and wealth, at least in the movies, and that scene is beautifully painted.
ReplyDeleteNow, be glad you don't smoke. I can let you come see the tar my husband is coughing up because he's quitting and his body is doing its best to get rid of the crap inside it. =)