A Taste of Loneliness

By John Herlihy

I am not toward loneliness prone,

Just into the fray of life thrown.

I am not afraid of being on my own,

At peace in my own contented zone.

I do at times have a taste of loneliness,

But the feeling never comes when alone.

What is it that makes a crowd noise-some,

Its frivolous chatter makes me feel glum.

The bird-like voices are not what they seem,

Random sounds highlight my solitary beam.

When deep in a crowd, I wish to escape,

Back to the solitude its peace to partake.

Forcing me to wonder why I stand apart,

When I look deep into the well of my heart.

A moodiness like a wax seal there to affix,

Why can’t I blend like a spice into the mix?

Its glow shines in my heart as moonstone,

Its rays of pale light let me feel like home.

Borrowed from moments of sadness,

As if for our little joys we need to atone.

Then I savor this rare taste of loneliness,

As pale reflection to the pure light of bliss.

Now when I venture deep into the crowd,

Loneliness helps me remember all I miss.