POETRY OF SMOKE. 47 



THE SCENT OF A GOOD 

 CIGAR. 



WHAT is it comes through the deepening 



dusk, 



Something sweeter than jasmine scent, 

 Sweeter than rose and violet blent, 

 More potent in power than orange or musk ? 

 The scent of a good cigar. 



I am all alone in my quiet room, 

 And the windows are open wide and free 

 To let in the south wind's kiss for me, 



While I rock in the softly gathering gloom, 

 And that subtle fragrance steals. 



Just as a loving, tender hand 

 Will sometimes steal in yours, 

 It softly comes through the open doors, 



And memory wakes at its command, 

 The scent of that good cigar. 



And what does it say ? Ah ! that's for me 

 And my heart alone to know ; 

 But that heart thrills with a sudden glow, 

 Tears fill my eyes till I cannot see, 



Prom the scent of that good cigar. 



KATE A. CARRINGTON. 



