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.