A single cough
Arouses chatters,
Sideways glances,
Superstition in the air.

Bravery rises,
With pattering feet,
Squeaky voice.
Mister?
Are you sick?

Devoid markets,
Nothing left,
Silent and abandoned,
Masks everywhere
Hiding faces.

Smell of soap,
Antigerm,
On every hand,
On everything,
With superstition.

It’s spreading,
Jumping around,
Clouding judgement,
Placing fear,
From a single cough.