Loneliness

LONELINESS

The lonely person walks unnoticed
with unfocused eye and unsteady step,
failing to keep pace with the crowd.

An approach of reliance to everything,
like a crutch under the arm of the wounded,
maintains balance amidst turbulence.

You saw and did not recognize or notice,
as if that person was as normal as you,
but beneath the shrouded cloak of emptiness
hides a soul weeping dry tears.

Loneliness feeds on isolation,
depression its friend, little noticed,
but there are signals.

Loneliness has a signature;
a tell-tale sign for all to see,
like an amateur gambler's tell.

It might live with you unknown
or work by your side eight hours a day,
where its influence grinds,
as if it were a metal file.

Loneliness is looking for new hosts.
Has it found you?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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De Beaulieu Avatar
January 8, 2019 at 8:36 PM
Hello Gerald, sometimes it is good to be alone. Yet not all the time. I do not like to be lonely all the time, i seek to be with people as well. have a nice evening my friend.
Greene Avatar
January 8, 2019 at 9:16 PM
we poets understand the value of solitude, which is different from loneliness. And yet a little loneliness can be seed that bears fruit for others.
Macdonald Avatar
January 8, 2019 at 12:04 AM
Wow that was good. I could visualise that person. Lots of feeling too. Really nicely written !
Greene Avatar
January 8, 2019 at 6:49 AM
Thank you Maxie, I hope doesn't describe you!
Marcum Wong Avatar
December 19, 2018 at 1:02 AM
This is brilliantly composed with insight and knowledge Gerald! Congratulations on a very deserving POTD! : )
Greene Avatar
December 19, 2018 at 4:32 AM
Thank you Connie
Bateman Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 11:49 PM
Hello Gerald, This is a fabulous free verse for sure!! Congratulations too on the POTD honor!! Your "Loneliness" is quite striking, and, for me, is very emotive in the way your describe it in relation to human beings, and, in fact the human psyche. The question you pose in your last two verses is quite compelling. Outstanding Work!! A FAVE!! Best Holiday Wishes, Gary
Greene Avatar
December 19, 2018 at 4:32 AM
Thank you Gary
Duet Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 5:31 PM
Wow...you have certainly captured the essence of loneliness and it has an important message too. I can certainly see why you had gotten POTD. A belated congratulations, Gerald. FAVED!
Greene Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 8:23 PM
Thank you Carole
Riabi Dziri Avatar
December 17, 2018 at 4:45 AM
You have beautifully and artistically captured the trauma of a lonely soul! Indeed, loneliness always has a room inside our hearts and souls.. We are blessed and blissful when it is rendered into the beauty of poetry.. A wonderful poem worthy of the honour of POTD.. Congratulations, Gerald, on the well earned recognition.. My deepest regards.
Greene Avatar
December 17, 2018 at 5:58 AM
Thank you for your kind words.
Lane Avatar
December 17, 2018 at 3:22 AM
"Loneliness feeds on isolation" That line is very true. Well done, Gerald.
Greene Avatar
December 17, 2018 at 5:57 AM
Thank you Lin
Allison Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 6:25 PM
a very poignant piece especially at this time of year, many congrats on POTD:-) hugs jan xx
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 9:11 PM
Thank you Jan
Asbury Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 4:09 PM
Very touching! Congrats on POTD...you certainly deserved it for this one. I can relate very well to this. We often have to reach out to others, or let them reach us...not isolate.
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 9:11 PM
Thank you Sherry
Ashley Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 3:14 PM
I enjoyed being captivated by your beautifully sad poem portraying the pain of loneliness, Gerald. Deep and moving imagery made your work worthy indeed of POTD honors. Congratulations on your wonderful recognition for your exceptional piece. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 4:02 PM
Thank you Susan. Yes, imagery makes a difference that we poets need to utilize well.
Nicole Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 2:58 PM
Reading your thoughts once again, and I am reminded why those around you, will never be lonely. Such a wonderful feeling indeed, knowing someone like you is near. Congratulations Gerald, on Poem of the Day. ~ Brandy
Nicole Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 3:11 PM
You are very welcome. I mean every word. Thank you for having a wonderful heart. I appreciate you.
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 3:07 PM
Brandy, you are so sweet. A wonderful person. Thank you.
Lindley Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 2:34 PM
Congratulations on your fine poetry being warded POTD! I enjoyed reading this well crafted poem on the pains of loneliness my friend.. A fav..
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 3:06 PM
Thank you Robert
Andresen Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 1:20 PM
- Loneliness sets deep traces of heart and soul, Gerald - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d. :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 3:06 PM
I like your comment too. Thanks Sunshine
Sands Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 12:00 PM
Congratulations for POTD :)
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 3:05 PM
Thanks Heidi
Wanter Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 9:57 AM
Very, very descriptive. I like the lines especially, "but beneath the shrouded cloak of emptiness hides a soul weeping dry tears." Congratulations.
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 3:05 PM
Dry tears makes it more difficult to know when someone is lonely. Thank you Sunlite
La France Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 9:25 AM
Gerald, congratulations on having your awesome write selected as POTD, enjoy the honor ~
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 3:03 PM
Thank you Dear Heart
Mcconnell Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 9:25 AM
A fine piece excellently penned Gerald, treating an ignored subject needing brought to everyone's attention as those of us who have experienced it most of our lives. Congrats on the POTD.
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 3:03 PM
Everyone here has experienced this, so we know it's an important subject. Thank you Gordon
Doll Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 9:14 AM
An eye opening poem about a subject that is overlooked. Congratulations on POTD, Gerald.
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 3:02 PM
Raising awareness and sensitivities is what we poets can do. Thanks Warren
Smith Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 8:32 AM
''Tis the season when it really rears its ugly head, congratulations on your honor Gerald...
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 3:01 PM
Thank you Charlie
May Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 7:26 AM
Powerful write Gerald..Congrats on POTD
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 8:10 AM
Thank you Joseph
Pandit Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 7:01 AM
Congrats on POTD, Gerald. You shine the light on an important ailment.
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 7:33 AM
Maybe we can make a difference. Thanks.
One Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 6:32 AM
This is a touching poem about loneliness, sad that so many are lonely, especially this time of the year... Congratulations on your POTD..
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 7:33 AM
Thank you Silent One.
Warrior Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 5:46 AM
We were never meant to be lonely...and it is very sad when someone is...Congrats!!! on your POTD!! Gerald...great write my friend...love & light...^WW^
Greene Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 6:17 AM
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we poets could help remove loneliness from the world!! Thank you WW
Sands Avatar
December 14, 2018 at 6:20 PM
So true. Well written , bringing to light an important issue :)
Greene Avatar
December 14, 2018 at 8:34 PM
Thank you, and yes I agree.
Nicole Avatar
December 14, 2018 at 11:39 AM
Many fail to see, that loneliness is more than name for a condition. It is real and it can affect any age. You are being there for someone, even if they aren't lonely. More than you may realize. Your words are enough. ~ Brandy
Nicole Avatar
December 14, 2018 at 11:55 AM
You have a kind and caring heart. Thank you for being You.
Greene Avatar
December 14, 2018 at 11:48 AM
We've all experienced it for short periods, but some are constantly lonely and I want encourage them.
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