I.
I think loneliness is when
you’re in your bed but it
no longer feels like home
cold sheets are suddenly
heating your body to an
anxious sweat leaving
you with the empty realization
that you want something better.

II.
I think loneliness is when
your gaze no longer finds
the stars friendly company.
Suddenly they’re just
dead balls of gas, no
longer lost ancestors to
share your secrets with.

III.
I think loneliness is when
you taste your favorite
sweet and it only makes
you nauseous with the memories
of happiness. Eventually
you lose taste for food and life.

IV.
I think loneliness is when
your ability to form words
catches in your throat before
anyone even forgets to
acknowledge your almost-wisdom.

V.
I think loneliness is when
the salt of your tears
no longer burns the
scabs on your scraped lips.

VI.
I think loneliness is when
your favorite song has
no more meaning.

VII.
I think loneliness is when
you squeeze your own shaking hand.

VIII.
I think loneliness is