Poetry about Smoking

Poems about smoking often explore the complexities of this habit, addressing its allure, consequences, and societal impact.

Some poems may delve into the sensory experiences of smoking, tobacco taste, or curling smoke. Others may highlight the addictive nature of smoking and its detrimental effects on health. These poems may also tackle broader themes, such as addiction, personal struggles, or reflections on mortality.

Poets use smoking as a symbol to convey deeper emotions, societal issues, or moments of contemplation and introspection.

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A Memory

by Ted Hughes

‘A Memory’ captures the ardent wonder and vigour of farm life, unearthing the inherent turmoil and cooperation of humanity’s relationship with nature.

The cigarette the farmer smokes throughout his labours is in itself another character. One that Hughes personifies, the one example of a thing obedient to man present in the poem. Smoking is intrinsically important to this poem as it represents the few short moments of pleasure the farmer allows himself before diving into the throes of hard work. His habit of chain smoking reflects the cyclical nature of his tasks, moving from one sheep onto the next when it is done. Throughout, the cigarette does not even lose the ash on its tip, emphasising the mastery of the farmer in his job.

Your bony white bowed back, in a singlet,

Powerful as a horse,

Bowed over an upturned sheep

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Summer Solstice, New York City

by Sharon Olds

‘Summer Solstice, New York City’ by Sharon Olds is a deeply moving poem that conveys the tender importance of remembering our capacity for human compassion.

The image of the men sharing a smoke at the end of the poem is, without a doubt, one of its more impactful moments. Even the way Olds describes and compares it to campfires seems to accentuate the communal aspect of it, as well as the casual but profound courtesy of sharing something (anything) with someone who has just literally chosen life over death.

By the end of the longest day of the year he could not stand it,

he went up the iron stairs through the roof of the building

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Poetry about Smoking

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Poetry about Smoking

A Memory

by Ted Hughes

Summer Solstice, New York City

by Sharon Olds

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