The look of loneliness

 

Is this me?

Much has been said about loneliness and the difference between being lonely and being alone? It's complicated.

Some people have a life full of family and friends but can feel lonely and some who live alone with no family and few friends don't consider themselves alone.

I can remember years ago being told by my GP that many patients often need to talk rather than wanting medication. I understand that. 

Aloneness (is that a word?) is usually forced upon us. Children leaving home, friends moving away, a partner or family member die, a divorce or a breakup or maybe a job move. And please don’t underestimate the death of a pet. These events can mean your support network becomes fragile, and there are no easy answers to deal with this.

“Time is a great healer” said Sophocles. That is probably true. Scars mend but rarely disappear. They just fade. 

The writing I want to share today focus on time and general loneliness. You may be able to relate to them and allow you to pause to reflect on your situation. 

The first is the lyrics to a rather beautiful song called Only Time, originally sung by Enya but there have been many arrangements and recording of this. Take a look on YouTube.

Only Time

Who can say where the road goes?
Where the day flows? Only time
And who can say if your love grows
As your heart chose? Only time

Who can say why your heart sighs
As your love flies? Only time
And who can say why your heart cries
When your love lies? Only time

Who can say when the roads meet?
That love might be in your heart?
And who can say when the day sleeps
If the night keeps all your heart?
Night keeps all your heart

Who can say if your love grows
As your heart chose? Only time
And who can say where the road goes?
Where the day flows? Only time

Who knows? Only time
Who knows? Only time

The next few poems are about loneliness in general. Hopefully some may resonate.

 

The Quiet Chair

There is a chair
that keeps my shape
long after I’ve stood up.

It waits,
as if it knows
I’ll circle back
to the same small silence.

Loneliness isn’t loud.
It’s the soft thud
of a heart
looking for somewhere
to land.

Rain on the Window

The rain taps the window
like someone practising
how to say hello.

I almost answer.
But the room is full
of the kind of silence
that grows roots.

Still, the rain keeps tapping.
Still, I keep listening.

3. Candle

Loneliness is a candle
burning in a quiet room.

It flickers
when a memory passes,
leans
when a worry sighs,
glows
because even in the dark
we are trying
to stay warm.

 

As you read this entry please be aware of others who maybe feeling low. A smile, and Hello or even the offer of meeting up for a coffee could mean the world to someone.