A PRACTICAL MATTER

Where several hours ago a young couple was wrapped in embrace there is only a pigeon now, with an air of determination inspecting the pavement. Moments earlier it had found a pizza crust, no doubt unconnected entirely to the two late night lovers. Across the street, an early rising neighborhood resident walks towards his car.

A small cigarillo was key to both observational moments.

In the morning, coffee also played a role.


On the entrance steps of the apartment building, while smoking. One must, of course, be fully dressed, or at least covered-up at such a time, because front steps nudity would be frowned upon. Which is a limitation of one's personal freedom that is acceptable only because one expects the same clothedness from other people in their porticos or in front of their buildings, within one's line of sight. When they're out there.

There are very few people whom I would want to see naked while smoking. At this moment, I cannot think of any.


If you are outside and enjoying tobacco, that necessarily implies either pockets or a purse. For the matches, the lighter, and the tobacco product. As well as house keys, and perhaps a wallet. The only other possibility is that you fled in the buff, in desperate need of a smoke.

Sofar, I have never encountered a naked neighborhood nicotine addict. Yet. But if someone were to come up to me undressed asking for a butt, I would certainly give it to him or her. To keep their hands occupied.
I believe that's very important.


This is a thought that, naturally, comes to mind when the first cup of coffee is coursing through one's veins. But incidental smoking related nudity is more likely late at night, probably due to pizza and beer.




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