the lingering cough

it's a lingering cough,

a dry

cough.

but persistent,

it welcomes me in

the morning.

bends

me over during the day.

it could

be serious,

it could nothing.

it could be the end

of me,

my lungs my heart,

my

body at last giving out,

surrendering

and saying,

okay, we're done here,

enough.

check, please.