Who Are They? Poem by Alessandra Liverani

Are smokers weak and immoral folk
Who get through life with a constant choke
Or are they victims of a widespread fear
How they caught it, is a little unclear

The fear they caught is a dangerous one
It'll kill them slowly, one by one
Unless it is recognised for what it is
And understood, then it will fizz

Fear is best not fought with fear
Don't scare smokers, their lives are dear
They unconsciously devoutly believe
They must have nicotine or they bereave

This belief, although invalid
Is so strong that they turn pallid
If they discover no smokes are left
The poor, poor smokers are quite bereft

To turn this notion right way round
Don't call these people foolish clowns
We've all been frightened of nothing at all
Remember the witch who lived down the hall

Remember before you could swim with ease
You were scared quite witless, it was no breeze
Or maybe you can't swim, it frightens you to death
Although you know your bones aren't made of lead

Please reassure smokers, they live in fear
If you're patient and kind you may one day hear
I'm free at last from the nicotine spell
My God, that was just like being in hell