The Price of Solitude

Some would look

at four walls

And see them as a prison

cutting them off from the rest of humanity

And despair of their fate

At being in solitude

Alone

They cry out for interaction

Companionship

The scent, the touch

of another

Conversation

The exchange of words, ideas

thoughts, fears

hopes, dreams

And mourn their loss

of being in the presence of

Others

Until at last

they can stand the isolation no longer

And burst free

Against advice

and better judgement

Their need for company

outweighing the needs of community

to survive

Self interest outweighing

the greater interests of society

Others would see

these four walls

As an empty canvas

to be painted with self-reflection

Introspection

Peace

Contentment

And at worst inconvenience

Their self-sacrifice a small investment

in the continuation and growth

of the Family

Community

Society

to which they aspire to contribute

‘Tis said

the mark of civilization

is the extent to which we care and provide

for the weakest amongst us

Those who are ill

Displaced

In need

Short-term solitude being

a small price to pay

To ensure the long-term

Fellowship

with those we care for

And those

we will never know

But whom, together

Make up the totality of inhabitants

Of this Earth

We call “home”

By Mike Turner

From: United States

Website: http://www.MikeTurnerSongwriter.com

Twitter: SchoonerSkipper

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