a rainy season addict
whether in northern californian chill
or cambodian monsoon heat
i go searching for nicotine
whenever downpours arrive
sweating under an awning
taking furtive puffs between
internet cafes on monivong boulevard
standing in the shelter
of a well-loved porch
inhaling deeply between laughs
drenched
in bliss
in melancholy
in ecstasy
in worry
i seek the alchemy
of rain and smoke
to wash me clean
to lift me up.
narinda heng 