Clear

Came to me clear

clear enough question clear enough in its way
abrupt and unbidden
in the midst of the day of a sudden cutting clear through the day

to which I say can’t I
smoke too much

tongue cankered burnt and

bitter
stigmata on the roof
of my mouth doctor said so it’s true tobacco a depressant slows down
everything that happens
happens much later or never happens at all

ask me again ask something else use softer words