Death of a Cigarette

A Story of Survival, Memory, and Legacy

Chance—an anthropomorphized Lucky Strike—narrates its journey from leaf to factory to ration box in the pocket of Philip Martin, a Missouri farm boy. On the Channel and at Omaha, Chance observes courage in many forms: Sally’s brief blaze, Winston’s unlit benediction, Terry’s loud luck, Philip’s quiet endurance. The landing’s chaos yields a long aftermath—hedgerows, letters unsent, and a silence that follows Philip home.

In 1961 Bloomfield, at the Stars and Stripes centennial, Philip reunites with Terry and donates his uniform—and Chance—to the museum. Years later, Philip’s grandson Chris recognizes the name on the placard, closing the loop between private grief and public memory.

Told with lyrical restraint and careful historical detail, Death of a Cigarette reframes bravery as presence and remembrance. The cigarette remains unlit—becoming a witness that didn’t burn.

©2025 Timothy Webber (P)2025 Timothy Webber

So much said in few words.

Creative. Stories within the story. Very much worth the extra thought required to get all the poetic metaphors and symbolism. Well done! Loved it. It’ll stick with me.