headcold

sneeze
try to catch yer breath
it builds up pressure
like inflating a tire
in the center of the mind
tickles the senses behind 
the nostrils..
air rushing in from the breath-catching
triggers off steady warning
and
sneeze again.
repeat process for ten
to thirteen minutes.
sneezing stops.. and 
steady flow of mucus begins
to run like a mountain creek
from your nose to your mouth
cry, gasp, reach and crawl
for the nearest kleenex
or whatever else you can use
for a snot rag
and blow blow blow for dear life
push the contents of your skull 
thru the smallest holes in your face
lean back for a breath of fresh air
hold it there for moment's enjoyment
exhale and wipe the goo off your upper-lip
and 
and 
and
sneeze.


		--   Lob    7pm  6/3/98
      		      Huntington Bch,CA
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this poem appeared in the June 1998 (#28) issue of SKRATCH
Magazine from Tustin, California, usa