Sickie

I watch the blood I just spit into my bathroom sink swirl around and then go down the drain.
I struggle to breathe through my blocked nasal passages.
My image in the mirror is blurry though my watering eyes.
I try to focus on my hair and my eyes burn.

I make it to work 15 minutes late.
I'm coughing and my co-workers gripe "Sickie's here"
I suck on my cough drop while the office quietly spins.
I can't wait until tomorrow when I work from home in my pajamas.

It's not even 9am and I feel exhausted.
My chest hurts and my shoulders ache.
When the hell did it get so bright in here?
Can I sleep sitting up in this chair?
The work is written in Greek today.
I might as well forfeit and drive home to crash under my covers.

Next week is vacation.
I can stick it out.
I can make it.
I'm down to one eye open with a marching band playing in my head.
It's no swine flu but it'll do, that'll do.
Another swig of Dt. Dr. Pepper, ti's cold liquid soothes my scratchy throat.
At 11 my greatest joy will be swallowing 2 more cold tablets.