the act of

trees are incapable of sternutation
yet in the right moment
a gusting wind blown through the crown
rattling leaves turned crisp and brown
it is possible to hear something that sounds
like the boldest sneeze in the nation.

hurricane’s force, rushing past
particulate carried in the blast
dewy droplets transported in air
germs spreading everywhere
when you feel the impulse upon you
you should know exactly what to do

tuck of the elbow, hiding of the face
prevent illnesses from spreading
trees can not sneeze or catch the flu
but the same does not apply
to persons such as you or I