Cough

I’m feeling just a little off.
It’s just a little cold;
But yet there’s this annoying cough
That’s got me in its hold.

I carry lozenges in case
The cough gets out of hand.
I use my fist to shield my face
As custom does demand.

But on the bus or in the train,
In close proximity,
Are many folks who won’t refrain
From raining germs on me.

They sneeze and hack and do not think
Of using hand or tissue
To halt what will, in just one blink,
Explode as slimy issue.

And thus, the germs float in the air
Where currents are directing
Their paths to guide them everywhere
And coat us, unsuspecting.

So when my cough begins to fade –
Who knows how long ‘til then –
Somebody’s new germs will get sprayed
And soon I’ll cough again!