Cough

Second addition to the Human Gesture series

Somewhere inside him

His lungs are compressing,

Forcing out microscopic entities.

His brow furrows and he bends forward violently,

As if to return to the fetal position,

But deciding against it in almost the same moment.

A few people at the back of the bus

Tilt their heads,

Perhaps expecting something disastrous,

Or maybe miraculous.

The ones in his tight circle of space

Shuffle uncomfortably

And look around nervously,

Fearing that this may not have been

The best seat.

Author's Note

Another little observation. Enjoy!

Reviews

[Mai L Nissen]

I love this everyday-occurrence scenario - described in an appropriately dramatic fashion! Especially the last stanza is really well written with an charmingly anti-climatic last line conclusion! I like your style, thanks for sharing :)

[James O'Rourke]

Thank you for your kind words. I'll probably be adding more to this little gesture series in a few days. Need to find the time to sit a watch people.

[nazia]

You chose a topic people usually by pass or avoid...
Well expressed

[James O'Rourke]

Thanks for reading this piece.

I ride the bus almost every day and there is never a shortage of entertainment. Just watching other humans interacting and reacting with one another provides quite a bit of material.

[Coyote Poetry]

The cough. Can cause reaction and fear. No-one want to know sickness. I like the you described place and reaction. Very nice ending to the excellent poetry.
Coyote