Irritating - yes, indeed!
I don't know which was more annoying,
His cough, like a deep rumbling
From the depths of the earth,
Or mine, that wheezed like
An ancient accordion.

Barricaded behind the doors
Or our Vicks-infused house,
We dosed ourselves
With assorted cold medications
And dined on steaming soups.
We drank unnumbered quantities
Of hot teas and spiced ciders
To soothe our inflamed throats.

We lounged like lumps on the sofa
In the den with the TV on
For shows we didn't watch.
Complained we more than a little bit,
And we dreamed of spring's beginning.