Her lips parted as a plume of smoke billowed forth.

I watched her with a schoolboy's curiosity quietly intent on her next decisive action.

The embroidered waves of her sweater swelled forth and brought out the voluptuousness of her round figure.

As the cigarette dangled from her slim yet virginal fingers

she closed her eyes.

Let us keep our fondest memories
clutched close to our chests.

For if they are lost,
the wind will sweep them away
or the sea will toss them into its abysmal blue.

Rather, let us tie them to the laces of our shoes -
              and take them always with us.
Tattoo them onto our intellects -
              and reminisce upon them often.
Lock them in our hearts
              Do not let them die until they
              all
              stop
              beating.