Two-in-one Image Assignment

"Pick Your Poison"

I created this picture from a bullet from the machine-gun i used during my last deployment, and the brand of cigarettes that I smoked for five years. The bullet is from a .50 caliber machine-gun, which not only was the gun I used on my last deployment but was my favorite gun throughout my time in the Marines. I also smoked a pack of cigarettes a day during the five years that I served. I found safety and comfort behind each, the bullet for protection and the cigarette for comfort and momentary stress relief. What is ironic about this picture is that the only two things that comforted me were also the two things that could have killed me.