Loneliness

I never really understood what loneliness was until the past six months.

Now, it seems I get slapped up the side of the heart on a regular basis.

Loneliness is not having someone there to hear comments on progress of the new building on the corner, or the local gossip, or City Council antics. (I live in a small town....they're hilarious)

Loneliness is not having someone to give or receive a hug, squeeze a hand, or rub the top of the thigh. I never realized the need for bodily contact, or lack of, until now.

I'm reminded of the lyrics in the Joni Mitchell song, Big Yellow Taxi "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone".

Being lonely isn't 24/7, but it's those poignant moments that sneak up on me when least expected.