Cold and Common

I have no control of my sorry nose

My phlegmy throat or chest

My head is heavy, my eyelids too

I’m a big old sorry mess.

My M’s are B’s and my N’s are D’s

There’s a ringing in my ears

My voice is muffled, rough and thick

And I sneeze myself to tears

I don’t want meds though the cough syrups nice

I don’t want to Vicks or steam

I don’t want khichdi or hot chicken broth

And I don’t want ginger tea

I’d like to sleep without sleeping upright

I’d like to taste my food

I’d like to breathe easy, and not through my mouth

I’d like to be in a good mood.

Dear common cold, we’re at the halfway point

Of your holiday in my body and brain

Let me say goodbye while you’re still around

So long, till we meet again

*Image courtesy Deviantart :)