Six Days Without Cigarettes

A big broad smile opens across his face
And his eyes are wide with new confidence.
He's a six year old boy who has found his place.
Sleep has released a house that was once tense

And now he sits with his father, together
Up late, a victor in the game of hearts.
We exit into the summer weather.
We both have agreed to play a thousand parts,

Man and boy, each in the welcome dark.
Up on my shoulders as we walk the dog
The reservoir calls like an amusement park
With its thick vines, deep water and rotting logs-

Trouble? I'm six days without cigarettes.
It's all for him —I'd kill without regrets.