the TB patients

one cough is enough

because they all know

shame, shame, shame.

it is more hurting than the physical blow.

the looks some cast on him

injects a flood of casting away.

at least he knows he has

and curing others scorn

but harbor more bacilli

per organ, more organ

per man, more sufferers

per family,all not knowing

because no cough, no shame.

deceived believing safe.