Joan

She was cynical  
and brash  
petite and quite beautiful  
her dry sense of humor  
either drove you to her  
or away...
 
She told the story  
of how they met  
she had that  
which some find sexy, a
hoarse raspy voice
 
There was a large party  
she stood at the bar alone  
taking small sips of her  
drink, she needed something  
more to calm her nerves
she pulled out her  
cigarette case and took
one out, tamping it down  
and placing it between her red  
painted lips  
she went to light,  
her hand shaking slightly  
he was suddenly at her side  
"Let me help you with that,
although I really shouldn't.
You are far too beautiful to have  
such a nasty habit."
He lit her cigarette  
with a sly smile.
 
She gazed up at him taking  
two deep puffs and blowing smoke  
in soft chimneys around his face  
"Go to hell," she said.  
He fell in love with her  
all at once.