Taking Care of It

Today I sense the perpetrator
of my rhino-viral hell:
I close my eyes and see
a snail’s head looping out

not from a shell but from
a ropy neck and dog-like
body with four trembling legs.
It piteously begs.

It seems to know
it hasn’t long to go.
I always wondered what
was meant by taking care

of colds. But now I know.
I shall make bold to comfort
my small snail-dog while
its virulences fold.

.