A Word to the Lonely Wanderer
Inspired by two Facebook laments about being lonely.
You wander, aimlessly, you say,
Forever seeking, a destination
Waiting out there for you. You say.
Your friend, you say, is isolation.
This may be true, destination still unchosen,
Your spirit pulling, leading, wandering,
No end date due, no reason yet known,
Loneliness, you say, is your fate.
You see empty pastures as you stroll,
You see the mountains too steep to climb.
You miss the mileposts, you miss company,
Even the flowers, the grass, the blue, blue sky.
Mountain goats you see as a threat,
Bulls in the lea spell danger to you,
Your nerves are shattered, your thoughts
Are all self blame, too harshly judged.
Stop. Look. See. The flowers in the meadow,
They bow to you. It wasn’t just the wind.
The mountain you spurned, was but a hill.
The goat you thought would butt, was but gamboling.
Hope has been ever by your side, my lonely friend,
Now hear this: To all of us you pass by
Know that we think you are, something else:
Pure inspiration, which you leave behind you,
Ways for us to explore, ways that lead
To betterment for us. You may not look
Back over your shoulder, but know this:
Your life is not a waste; it is love and love
Is what we receive from you.
Be not lonely, dear one, you are not
Really all alone. You have us, and we
Are walking along with you.
You are your own goddess, we honour you.
If we never meet, know that when you walk by
We are inspired and we love the work you do.
Be not lonely any more. Our arms are wide open.
Fear not this role you take. Stop and look.
Embrace this esteem we hold for you.
You have arrived. Your destination is
Right here, beside you, with us.
I know. For I, too, have walked that
Lonely, seemingly endless path.
And I am here, where I belong.
In this wonderful poetry world.
Where you are welcome.
—H. W. Bryce
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