To Catch a Cough

When I was young, a coughing child
Who followed Mom’s commands
Would quickly cover up his mouth
With both his little hands.

Of course, he likely spread his germs
To all that he would touch
But years would pass and protocol
Would not change very much.

Today, however, that’s taboo.
You’ll get a nasty look
If coughs or sneezes aren’t caught
In your arm’s closest crook.

I have to thus remind myself,
(The older way’s ingrained)
But lately in my armpit
My contagion has remained.

I wonder why it took so long
To add up two and two
And decide a cough in hand contains
Some germs within that goo.