alone and or not lonely

My hands together as if in prayer
longest fingers touch my nose
today, sitting by the river, a passing lady asked if I was alright
And I of course said “yes”, and she said “good”
but as she passed I wished I’d not been so abrupt
but opened space for dialog.
She was very kind
And I wasn’t alright and would have liked to talk.

They say that too alone is harmful, I don’t know if that’s true.
but sometimes I hunger for a missing nutrient, I don’t know what
And think of all those who, like me,
feel needy for some connection
a partner to share the moments with
to love and care and join to create something
greater than just two ones.

Right now the sun shines, another warmth that deeply satisfies.
Another loving friend just like the singing birds, my body and my shoes that let me walk
and walk, and walk some more.

Mike O’Kane, Dumfries, 2019