Loneliness aches

Brittle as old bones

Deep within

Despair intones

Constant murmurs

Grow louder

Unwelcome companion

Longs for another

Old friend laughter

To replace melancholy

Its presence now

A fleeting memory

Distraction a tool

Keeps herself busy

Increasing isolation

Forgotten momentarily

It always returns

Unwelcome guest

Stealthily she loses

Strength to protest

By Margaret Karim

From: United Kingdom