Loneliness is a Persistent Muse

There is no one to hold me,

no one to whisper my name

I have failed,

I have fled,

I have overlooked,

I have escaped

the possibilities

of the past

Bright dreams 

that were sharply,

painfully shattered

and ones that became diluted

as their brightness faded

in the cold sunshine

of everyday reality

I have both felt 

and caused pain

Heartaches 

I would gladly bear 

a second time

for just one more chance,

hell, one more moment

Heartaches 

I would actively avoid,

knowing now how 

they played out

And yet, in these moments,

none of this eases the pain,

that I am alone

I will be fine tomorrow,

I tell myself

when rest brings a new day,

and I may well be

But loneliness 

is a persistent muse

who creeps 

unexpectedly,

unwanted,

awkwardly

into my thoughts,

on her terms,

in her time

She says hello

in moments I wish 

she would remain silent

But at least someone

is talking to me

Written July 3, 2019

Featured Photo drawn by Keith Allison