Photograph

A photograph taken from
my best side assumes
a stance with a cigarette
held between nonchalant
fingers. I don’t ride a
horse, wear a western hat,
or with empty hair and open
shirt hug a flat tire.
Impossible to tousle me
into a place in the great
open spaces. I don’t even smoke.
How about a bookcase for
a backdrop or fireplace
cheerful with its burning?
No, no, place an arrogant
cigarette leaking a stream
of smoke between my fingers.
I want to add a half-smile
showing my sophisticated
incisor at the ready.