i knew my place

I knew it would happen.

I knew it would hurt.

I didn’t realize the sharpness of the pain, but I wasn’t naïve.

I wasn’t blind. I walked in with my eyes wide open.

I knew how hot the fire would be when it chard my skin.

I did it regardless.

I knew my place.

I knew it would happen.

I knew it would hurt.

I knew it would end.

Knowledge doesn’t alleviate the reality. The empty.

Even though.

I knew my place.