Gasp

 

Labored is my breath as I gasp

I gasp for a mouthful

With every wheeze I feel in my lungs

I gasp for a mouthful

 

Little did I know that I would some day

Heave at the colorless air

Little did I know that someday I would

Gasp for a mouthful

 

It was better to breathe a little air

Under the safety of my mask

But I shunned it breathing in the virus

Alas today I gasp for a mouthful.

 

Every breath burns my nostrils, as

Every time I push myself for precious air

Every gasp flames my windpipe

But still I gasp for a mouthful.

 

-Sydney Billford Monteiro