Coughing Fits

This really isn’t helping.
At all. They said to wear
a mask while travelling.
Never specified.

Thought pandemic was over.
Decided to be creative.
Turns out it’s not a joke.
Can’t breathe outside anymore.

There is something growing
in my windpipe. Brittle roots
descending this snorkel
commingle with my flesh.

Am I becoming more, or less?
Mutations aren’t always bad.
Ninja Turtles, those perpetual teens,
provide hope during coughing fits.