On discovering the essence of a fine Cuban cigar

“Just say no,” is the prescription offered by moralists
“Don’t smoke,” that’s good advice, except . . .
When one encounters the essence of Cuba, in the rolled product of Cuba’s land
When one experiences the spiritual uplifting that comes with a deep draw
When one sets aside standard proscriptions and considers another path to nirvana
When one sits backs, lights up, accepts, as intimately as a lover, the engagement
When one infers from the burning leaf messages from the awesome

Then one receives and appreciates the fruit of the field
The blossom of plants destined by the gods to offer
The fullness of the high experienced by espirito santo
Shared, but thoughtfully, with seekers for higher truths

That’s when one slowly draws from the leaf its message
Receives from the burnt sacrifice what only a fine Cuban cigar can give

It is, in part, the touch of a fine product, craftfully rolled
The essence of fine tobacco harvested at just the exact time
The tactile experience of a work of art and craft
The subtle sound of tobacco whose time has arrived
The taste of mellow product—precisely moist and ready

You may need a bit of courage to rise above judgments
You’ll need determination to light up knowing that smoking “may be harmful . . .”
You’ll want a dash of hedonism to face adverse comment
But on discovering the essence of a fine Cuban cigar you will

Full of appreciation for the better things life offers
Aware of the spiritual dimensions of a free spirit
Open to the symphony of ecstasy
Launched, as a skydiver, into the excitement of a free fall
Buoyed upward by a timely parachute providing a gentle decent

Rise to higher highs
Experience a larger universe
Touch the edge of the heavens
Receive the confirmation that life is, indeed, good
And discover the essence of an enlightened life

You’ll be ready to slay dragons
Inspired to write poetry or
Prepared simply to cope with life’s stresses

You’ll appreciate this gift of Cuba and as you share, others will be able to
Reach for the best life can provide

or so it seems to me: jim sykes