Sunday, January 18, 2026

3rd Place Poetry: Exhaled Smoke

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A lush soundtrack of funk flows
In waves over cracked cement.
Cars gleam with chrome wheels
Sending sparks to the sky.
Riding that bass,
High.
With windows down
Hats slanted
They talk out the side of their mouths.
Plastic words slipping over gold
Lies flowing on exhaled smoke.

The Toledo City Paper depends on readers like you! Become a friend today. See membership options

A lush soundtrack of funk flows
In waves over cracked cement.
Cars gleam with chrome wheels
Sending sparks to the sky.
Riding that bass,
High.
With windows down
Hats slanted
They talk out the side of their mouths.
Plastic words slipping over gold
Lies flowing on exhaled smoke.

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