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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