Mental As Anything Poem by Alessandra Liverani

Smoking, we are indoctrinated
Time and time again
Is glamorous, relaxing, enjoyable
Basically man's best friend

But what is not even whispered about
The truth of which has never come out
Is that nearly all the patients of the mental hospital
Smoke like chimneys, it's really awful

The damage to your lungs and heart
Is mentioned every day
But the damage to your mind and spirit
That's never put into play

And yet, it could be the worst of all
It is your mind that is being mauled
The constant worry of your addiction
That is what is the real affliction

(Sydney, Australia - 2003)