CHAIN-SMOKING BY THE BAY

Crack the sky with your blazing rays Like the porcelian shattered across the boardwalk. Sulfur, salt

Sweet taffy wrappers dance away in the breeze. The "Dine In/Dine Out" sign flickers on the corner Like the flickering memories that flash in my mind.

I used to pray you'd keep me young forever But I couldn't even do that since I picked up Chain-smoking by the bay. I still can't shake it.

Remember when we used to watch the fishermen, With their rods and their bait and their weathered faces? We placed bets on which one would catch the first tuna. You always won.

I used to think we'd fish one day.

But you liked Newport and I liked Coney Island, Without all the pomp and circumstance. So now I sit alone, chain-smoking by the bay.