I rarely enter writing contests but I like the bent of this one, the Tobacco Lit Writing Contest and I like Geist Magazine as well. My entry, from my book, Three Blocks West of Wonderland:
BIG TOBACCO HEIRESS
Quit cigarettes too late, just as he bumped
into the pleasures of paternity. Cigar rituals.
Crystal trapezoid ashtray ready on the desk
itchy sedge thin, trumped up gorgeous
delinquent daughter in mind. How did I spawn
such a barren, martini-swacked maladroit?
Off to fiesta every three months, flea circus of slackers.
fasionistas and slap jack suitors along for a free ride.
He’s precise, positions the Cohiba in a double blade
stainless steel guillotine cutter. Scrutinizes the Avedon
portrait, a study in bad attitude. All attitude, filter less
Camel protruding from punk sneer. Karsh of Ottawa
snatched it, snapped rage.
Dreading her return from Wagonga Inlet, he toasts
the tip above a flame, ensuring a good, even smoke.
Took them fishing. For yellow fin. Bream. He draws
rapidly, harshly, locking Bentley convertible keys
in the top drawer. Heading back early. Slow, due to a drop
in water temperature according to the pricey guide.
Determined to cut her off if she doesn’t clean up.
Damned ash tunnels. Should puff gently,
though everything is about to give; the straw house
slanted as a rhombus, his lungs, faded to black.
Could leave it all to charity. Tough love
too callous. Probably rushed–ruined–her too.
Wow,packed with a fist full of
Honesty.That’s what I like about
your style,Heather.Awesome poem.
T xo
Thank you Tabitha. 🙂