Grim-grey, red-crusted eyes shuck open
A dim day where dirty sheets beckon to stay
A vice-like grip holds firm the thoughts
Let slip to stay trapped in false reports
Thick treacled repetition day by day
Unequalled headache, a pacifier
Deep inside, uncoughable gunk sits
Wait and hide for uncontrollable fits
Thick wet air sinks from dark dead sky
To hang there; infect pock-marked lungs
Ventilate oxygen relief, breathe deep to keep
Concentrate belief to dream continued sleep
Written about my struggles with the remnants of a recent second infection of Covid 19.
2nd Sep 2024 – Submitted to Poets and Storytellers United – letters to our body
Today I’m feeling:
Halfway good. I got up feeling ok and exercise was invigorating but once at school, I felt my energy quickly dwindle. I’m hoping for a good coffee kickstart.
(Later) As I went through the day, I felt pretty good though perhaps having the feeling that my tank was empty. My last classes with the grade 8s were fun if a little chaotic.
I was in a fairly positive mood when I got home but as soon as I got out of the car and into the humid air, I realised that I was running on fumes.
Straight to eat but that didn’t pick me up and I’m showered and ready for bed at 7.30 pm. I still have a lingering headache and cough. I got medicine yesterday for the cough, which seemed to be helping but today the phlegm has just risen up into my throat and made me croaky and squeaky, which had some students laughing at me.
Health:
Physical: 5
Mental: 7
Today I’m grateful for:
The lady at Banana who helped me with sorting a refund on the USB-C adaptor that I bought last week, which I didn’t end up needing. It may take a month to get back into my account but that’s fine.
The best thing about today was:
Many students hugging me. I’m not sure why they felt the need but there are a few girls who come and hug me.
It isn’t a sexual thing in any way, as most of them are openly gay. It feels like a comfort for them and some form of affection that they are not receiving at home.
I’m sure I will likely get in trouble at some point, as Thai adults also seem to see the worst in any form of affection and David was warned about it recently, too.
Something I learned today?
Pavel Durov, the owner of Telegram, a generally uncensored social media messaging platform, has been arrested in France and may face charges leading to up to 20 years in prison.


Wow, that sounds challenging indeed!
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It is. I’m still coughing and lethargic and, worst of all, generally uninspired to write.
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Commiserations. But you rose to the occasion well in this instance. (Ready-made subject matter!)
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I have had it once, which was certainly enough! My heart goes out to you .. and I must say this is a realistic, honest description of what the worst is like. You did the disease justice.
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Thanks Helen. 🙏
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I’m still trying to reclaim some of my old energy and it’s been two months. I’ve only had COVID once and certainly don’t want it again.
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Good luck! I remember it took me several weeks to recover last time and this time feels much worse unfortunately.
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Oh, I truly know how that feels. I’m recovering from my second bout of the virus and I’ve spent the afternoon in bad once again.
Your poem describes it so well!
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Good luck to you too. Thanks for reading and commenting. 🙏
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