An old man on a park bench
But an empty park bench
In the rain.
Loneliness is not
The empty gaze
Of a stranger, but
A lover who looks at you
With the eyes of a stranger.
Loneliness is not
The dim street lamp
On the darkest corner
Until she stands under it
Waiting
In the yellow circle
Of despair.
Loneliness is
A hired Santa Claus
Ringing his bell
In front of the store
Pretending not to see
Faces in chaotic crowds
Of people pretending
Not to see his.