The Cough That Won't Leave

A cough that persists, like a guest overstayed,

it lingers in corners, in shadows, it played.

Conversations at night with a neighbor's soft voice,

told tales of the depths, how we seldom have choice.

Through cracks in the window, the cold air slips in,

reminding me of battles still lost within skin.

A phantom, a whisper that clings to my chest,

where the ache of the past has never found rest.