Forgetting to breathe is not exclusively a North Carolina thing

I keep forgetting to breathe.

In milder climates, it's only a silly thing.

Down here, 

it's a mistake.

 

I go too long without breathing,

when I snap back, I can only inhale thickly

a hot, wet, fog.

 

And even though I'm new here,

it coats my fragile, used-up lungs

with a familiar heaviness.

I become aware of the hollowness of my gut,

fed full but mildew empty.

 

And so so quiet.

No where to explode, erupt.

And though I'm surrounded by city,

there's no one here

with an ear I can respectfully bend.