I Know My Place

The blackness surrounding me is oppressive

And sticky with layers of sweat.

My breath runs in rivulets down my neck.

I touch a hand to my face

And wonder if I'm crying or simply perspiring.

I didn't know I was this attached to you --

When you blithely bagged me and

Left me on the corner,

I did not expect to suffocate

Alongside yesterday's refuse.

But I simply cannot conjure the conviction

Needed to move me from my fetal position.