<center>https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/06/22/18/39/cigar-1473699_960_720.jpg</center>
![sharp.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmXE3tuff73KNFfBJJ97RYouqbyVi3TV8Gsgh1uWJDnk2S/sharp.png)</center>

<center>***What the Patriarch Said***
***
I have everything, 
in every area of life.
Tell me something
I *don't* have, 
he gloated.

Fixing me with a stare, 
he added: So I can go
and get two of it!
This was punctuated
with triumphant laughter.

It was late at night,
his eyes bloodshot and swimming
speech beginning to slur, after 
customary heavy drinking...
In bed, I pondered

And answered his question,
quietly, in my head: 
What about peace of mind, 
I thought with pity,
or self-knowledge?

©Yahia Lababidi</center>
***
<center>https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/10/22/17/32/smoke-1001664_960_720.png</center>
(Images:  Pixabay [1](https://pixabay.com/en/cigar-tobacco-leaves-whiskey-glass-1473699/), [2](https://pixabay.com/en/smoke-smoking-cigarette-fire-cigar-1001664/))