Part 1. <br /> <br />This Indian weed now wither'd quite, <br />Though green at noon, cut down at night <br />Shows thy decay; <br />All flesh is hay. <br />Thus think, and smoke tobacco. <br /> <br />The pipe so lily-like and weak, <br />Does thus thy mortal state bespeak. <br />Thou art ev'n such, <br />Gone with a touch. <br />Thus think, and smoke tobacco. <br /> <br />And when the smoke ascends on high, <br />Then thou behold'st the vanity <br />Of worldly stuff, <br />Gone with a puff. <br />Thus think, and smoke tobacco. <br /> <br />And when the pipe grows foul within, <br />Think on thy soul defil'd with sin; <br />For then the fire <br />It does require. <br />Thus think, and smoke tobacco. <br /> <br />And seest the ashes cast away; <br />Then to thyself thou may say, <br />That to the dust <br />Return thou must. <br />Thus think, and smoke tobacco. <br /> <br />Part II. <br /> <br />Was this small plant for thee cut down? <br />So was the Plant of great renown; <br />Which mercy sends <br />For nobler ends. <br />Thus think, and smoke tobacco. <br /> <br />Doth juice medicinal proceed <br />From such a naughty foreign weed? <br />Then what's the power <br />Of Jesse's flow'r? <br />Thus think, and smoke tobacco. <br /> <br />The promise, like the pipe, inlays, <br />And by the mouth of Faith conveys <br />What virtue flows <br />From Sharon's Rose. <br />Thus think, and smoke tobacco. <br /> <br />In vain th' unlighted pipe you blow; <br />Your pains in outward means are so, <br />Till heav'nly fire <br />Your heart inspire. <br />Thus think, and smoke tobacco. <br /> <br />The smoke, like burning incense, tow'rs; <br />So should a praying heart of yours <br />With ardent cries <br />Surmount the skies. <br />Thus think, and smoke tobacco.<br /><br />Ralph Erskine<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/meditations-on-smoking-tobacco-or-smoking-spiritualized/
