Loneliness

There’s nothing quite as lonely as feeling all alone in a crowded room. Or being with someone, and feeling like they are miles away, disconnected from you.

It can strike in the middle of the night. At dinner. While brushing your teeth, even. And while cooking to the sounds of silence.

Loneliness, in our society has become quite the pandemic. Communities, have generally shattered. And technology has disconnected us far more than connecting us— causing certain people to feel utterly isolated. Pixels on a screen cannot replace the warmth of someone’s touch or gaze.

Every few days, I’ll get a note from a stranger just wanting to talk to someone. To connect. To be listened to. To be heard.

They are alone.

Their messages are a plea of sorts. And yet, how many more remain silent in the loneliness? It’s a melancholy existence.

There’s something missing in the world. We are more detached than ever. Even when we listen, often we do not hear. And we are distracted. Oh, so distracted! By the lights on…