Should he forgive her one more time?
Or is he flogging himself to death?
As she says, smoking is no crime,
But it is clearly stealing her breath.

And her coughing is related -
She has trouble denying that fact.
Though arguments are well stated,
It’s hard to criticize, using tact.

He’s tried the second hand smoke bit,
Questioning lack of concern for him,
So out on the porch she will now sit,
But chances of her quitting are slim.

Of emphysema her Mom died,
And her father had a heart attack.
From nicotine their lungs were fried -
Seen when autopsy reports came back.

He hears her faltering breath nights,
As she tosses, restless in her sleep.
When morning comes, she quickly lights
A butt, as out to the porch she’ll creep.

Addiction and the lack of will
Are probably shortening her life,
Yet, two packs a day she smokes still -
There’s little he can do for his wife.