The common cold is a common curse

that seldom leads to grave and hearse

or the attentions of a wayward nurse

 

and suitable ministrations

 

often passed on to foe or friend

before the symptoms start to mend

a casual greeting that will extend

 

its sphere of operations

 

the remedies come thick and fast

to pin this beauty to the mast

the choice of options confusing and vast

 

with dubious combinations

 

and when you're finally free of taint

you always hear the same complaint

with proclamation and restraint:

 

"it's going round!"      with variations