Goodbye My Love - A Smoker's Lament Poem by Richard Lackman

Goodbye My Love - A Smoker's Lament

Rating: 4.0


I learned today that I am almost dead
Although I've felt but just a little pain
The cancer in my lung went to my head
And life for me will never be the same

I started smoking at an early age
But never thought that it would bother me
But now my feelings merge into a rage
Oh God above, how stupid could I be

How could I risk my precious time with you
For such a silly pleasure after all
How can I now accept our days are few
And all the guilt which now upon me falls

But worse for our two children, what to say
How to explain that I will soon depart
As my soul longs for nothing but to stay
There are no words to ease my broken heart

I'm sorry for this trial I've put you through
I hope you understand that as I die
My love for you is real and strong and true
So now my darling let me say goodbye

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Valerie Dohren 22 February 2012

So very sad Richard - is this about yourself?

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Martin O'Neill 22 February 2012

I do hope this is not autobiographical? Painful read.

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Cynthia Buhain-baello 22 February 2012

I posted a comment for this poem but somehow it evaporated into thin air. So here's another. I find the poem deeply moving and excellently written.

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Kim Barney 19 December 2014

Wow! This should go to The American Cancer Society to be used as their theme. Absolutely heart-wrenching.

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Christopher Apostolos 20 May 2014

Wow Doc, I'm going to send this to my brother. He is a smoker and has 2 small children. He knows there is a cancer history in out family and still won't quit. Thanks for writing this.

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Sandra Feldman 05 May 2013

Every stupid smoker should read this poem. Dr. Hope the man inthe poem is not you. Extremely well writen. Very touching

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Cynthia Buhain-baello 04 September 2012

Ah, the final days of Consequence drain all the tears one can give but will never grant reprieve on the Death bed. I've seen and encountered so many who ask for prayers of healing after so many years of chain smoking - then they get angry when the healing does not come. A fine and excellently written poem that serves as a reminder for all who smoke. May I please share this on my facebook page?

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Melissa Carey 11 April 2012

I'm with everyone else on this poem. This tugged on my heartstrings. And I am actually emotion- filled. I too, am hoping this isn't autobiographical.

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