this pit.

i remember one day
years ago...
surrounded by friends and family and suddenly
being struck with the truth
that there are lonely people.
i looked out the window
at a woman -
well-dressed
toned
tan
power-walking
fast -
and i wondered if inside her head
regret raged
or worse,
the empty pit of loneliness,
i sort of shrugged and became grateful
for a house full of warmth and laughter
and a little bouncing dog, even -
a house that became a fortress,
protecting me from the isolation
i so feared.

thing is, i've since been that walking woman
and the pit of loneliness is much deeper
darker
and life-sucking
than my naivety could have ever comprehended.