LIFE WITH THE COMMON COLD

LIFE WITH THE COMMON COLD

It's far worse at night.
When your nose feels like it's full of cotton.
When it hurts when you breathe in through your lips.
It hurts when you swallow as well.
It's a ruthless struggle.
Sore throat, rhinorrhea, post-nasal drip.
Owwww.
It's impossible to fall asleep,
no matter how cozy the pillow.
The hours drag by like Galápagos tortoises in slow mo
as you wait for the distant sun to rise
and the distant new day to begin.
Last night I had to go through this calvary.
Tonight I have to go through it as well.
I hope tomorrow night my mucus has thickened
and this excruciating time of trials is over.

Sandra Dermark, 5th of June 2016,
when afflicted with the first stage of the common cold
during exam season