Classic Poem

A non-smoker

stuck between two smokers
unwillingly inhales smoke,
his face distorts,head aches
he craves to breathe
fresh air,
gets up and leaves.
Smile flickers on faces of the smokers,
a sign of their apparent victory
over the helpless other
won through smoke.

The violence of the moment,
silent suffering,
violation of the basic rights-
the freedom to breathe
fresh air.

Perhaps unseen,
unnoticed,
perhaps not,
perhaps both seen and noticed
but ignored
for a few dollars more.