I cough

Pain splinters my back

My abdomen tightens

Holding myself together

Between breaths

I cough

Aching bone deep

Sleep nestled in my spine

Elbows knees

Weighing me to sofa in front of Keith Morrison

I cough

Myself awake

My thoughts slurred

My movements slush

Flames lick my throat

Between boosters and antiviral meds

I stagger towards wellness