In the shadow

 

Can you be surrounded by people,
and still be alone?

Can you have friends without the burden of their problems?

Can you have love without being desired?

Can you carry the weight of the lights, with the vast emptiness of the shadow?

I asked myself
in the shadow.

“What is wrong, love?” – they ask
and they walk away before the answer
before the shadow reaches them
before the sun arrives and the shadow becomes too looming large

“What is to blame, love?” – they ask
and they walk away because the answer wasn’t simple
and the answer requires them to work

You see, it’s not an exorcism
without the work
It’s not help, if it’s all rainbow and positive vibe only 
and “Can we talk about me now?”

In the shadow 
of the vast blue sky
and the breathtaking prairie sunset,
there’s this loneliness
looming
larger than than you, and me, and us
but only I do see it

I sit in the shadow
with my breath
quietly resigning

“Who is there, love?” – I ask

No one answered.