I don't smoke, thank gawd.

I like it when Italians approach me. And start asking questions. Which I don’t usually understand. Because I don’t speak much Italian. So I tell them in Italian that I don’t speak Italian. Happened yesterday. As I was walking past three teenagers in a city park. Finally, I asked if they spoke English. No, they didn’t. But still, they found a way to communicate.  One of ‘em put two fingers to his mouth. As if he were blowing smoke. I knew right away. They wanted cigarettes. I blew make-believe smoke. And shook my head no. I don’t smoke, thank gawd. –Jim Broede