Strangers: Proximity and Distance

Loneliness is finding joy

in proximity to strangers.

I love cities.

Moving as part of an anonymous crowd

feels the closest to belonging

that I've felt in some time, or ever.

Loneliness is excitement

for the interaction at the till.

They are my unknowing friends.

I have no delusion, I know I am a stranger.

I'm a blurred mask

of everyone and no one.

But, when he says “hello” and

“it's nice to see you again.”

It's enough - to make my desperate heart explode.

This is it;

Where strangers - and being a stranger yourself

eases the isolation that bites.

When that is the relief.

When being recognised by the barista

Is enough to make this desperate heart explode.