I take pleasure in my own company.
Sometimes too much, I suppose.
The joy I derive from imaginative
confines becomes a paradox.
A longing for someone outside of myself
slips through the cracks of my psyche.
So few friends require nothing of me.
So many acquaintances exhaust me.
Therefore, I rely on myself for entertainment.
I learned it long ago when no siblings
came into my life.
I like to drive alone, shop alone.
I preserve observations and take
mental notes from noticed situations.
So much humor in this quirky world
of humanity, and sadness balances the scale.
I can be an extrovert for limited intervals,
when I have collected hours of solitude
to sustain me through gatherings.
Then I go back into my own devices
and gather up minutes, hours, my own space
to carry with me once more.
To prepare myself for the inevitable groups
where I might, just might discover a friend.
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Reviews of "The Company of One"
Reviewed by D May (Reader)
Reviewed on March 3, 2005
I liked this confessional piece. I too, enjoy my solitude...rarely get it, but savor it when it comes.
Very keen insights into the personality of a creative soul...maybe some of us need that "alone time" to restore our batteries - some of us surround ourselves with people/places/things that DRAIN us so it's good to have a way to recharge within ourselves. I can FEEL this one Janet - maybe because we are alike in this way (among others!).
Dear Janet,
What a perfect introspective poem from a soul that has such depth. So many need to be substantiated by others but if you can be alone and content you have found your best friend. I too enjoy moments of solitude because they are a rarity in my life. I crave quietness and peace but have looked within and found it there.
Great work!
Love Chanti
PS: You have found friends here! :-)
An insightful look into the mind of the natural introvert. Psychologists say I am an only child because my sibling and I are seven years apart and I am the older. I also enjoy solitude, but then I don't know if I'm ever truly alone, there are so many Nordettes, I'm planning my escape from them even as I write this note. ;-)
Thank you for your review, Janet. You're most talented too in so many ways.
I agree even though I love family I can usualy only take them in small doses and though I am friendly with loads of people I really have no lasting life time bonded type friends... always put it down to being an Aquarian but the poet artist aspect of it may have something to it. Nice write and stirring thoughts.
I relate to this ........with the exception of the last 2 lines.....
I like being on my own, and I have always been looked at as odd, due to this preference. I am an only child whose Mom, remarrried a man with 3 kids, my sisters were wild maniacs lol......so I enjoyed the quiet times, when I could sneak off on my own. Being oldest has is advantage. I am very content in my own company, and maybe the others have a point....its the artistic types who thrive on their own space....maybe its then that we incubate our ideas.
I think this shows an independance of spirit......its not anti social........its self content
ty for this..........
related and enjoyed
pax A
Odd Janet, that going solo is a huge part of the poets make-up. In fact most artistic people are known for it. When I had my resturant I got all the people I ever want to have in my life. I'm much happier now alone , and in company only when it suits me;-)Sounds selfish but that's the way it is, and I don't care how it sounds.;-) Excellent write, and you'll find many who feel as you do!
You seem to be my mirror-image, Janet! My energy levels go up when I am alone. I love people, but give them my all and consequently people tend to see me as someone with few needs - and can appear to even resent what they see as my strength and self-reliance, mistaking it for self-confidence. I feel a deep friendship with you - and know that we would never seek to make ANY demands on each other if we were to meet, although each would be more than happy to oblige the other, I am sure! Here I am - waving at you from across a crowded room and saying Hi! to a kindred spirit! Neatly written and well articulated. TY Kate xx PS Barbara Cartland put behind me, Janet - but her influence lives on!! :))) LOL
This is good and I totally understand. An hour of solitude, can be more rewarding then hours of conversation. There is nothing wrong with enjoying ones own company, heck we're never bored...
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on March 1, 2005
It can get pretty lonely out there looking for someone to like us. Friends are not all that great, only friends will let you down, enemies or acquantainces you expect that of them. Good poem.
when I have collected hours of solitude
to sustain me through gatherings"
I can relate so well to this Janet...I grew up in the country and grew accustomed to the solitude...wonderfully expresed here in this write.
Nice work
Best wishes
What a perfect introspective poem from a soul that has such depth. So many need to be substantiated by others but if you can be alone and content you have found your best friend. I too enjoy moments of solitude because they are a rarity in my life. I crave quietness and peace but have looked within and found it there.
Great work!
Love Chanti
PS: You have found friends here! :-)
Thank you for your review, Janet. You're most talented too in so many ways.
Felix
I like being on my own, and I have always been looked at as odd, due to this preference. I am an only child whose Mom, remarrried a man with 3 kids, my sisters were wild maniacs lol......so I enjoyed the quiet times, when I could sneak off on my own. Being oldest has is advantage. I am very content in my own company, and maybe the others have a point....its the artistic types who thrive on their own space....maybe its then that we incubate our ideas.
I think this shows an independance of spirit......its not anti social........its self content
ty for this..........
related and enjoyed
pax A
Eileen
I wonder if it is generally true of writers, that we are more content with solitude than others are.
Nice poem, Janet.
And don't worry. I am leaving now. ;)
I wish I enjoyed being alone more, especially because that's the way it is.
John