Urban Chameleon Poem by Amy Sutton

I am an urban chameleon
In the hustle-bustle of the urban jungle.
Every day the business stampede
Crosses the high street savannah.
I crouch at the edge, observing.

At night I pause
Between the concrete trunks
Of car parks.
I reach out and grab what I can –
No one notices me.

Hooded wildebeest are tailed
By uniformed predators.
Feathered flamingos flock
From shop to shop.
They don't see me –
I am invisible, grey on grey.
Sometimes I think they look my way,
But they quickly avert their eyes.

I am only there
When someone wants to
Snarl,
Snap,
Shout at me.
I am only there
To collect their copper leftovers.

I am an urban chameleon
In the hustle-bustle of the urban jungle.
I don't want your pity,
But I have a place here too.

Don't let me fade away.