LONER

What gave you the idea

That I was a loner

Was I looking sufficiently busy

Staring at my phone, quite pretentious

Or was I doing that chatter

That’s largely noise, wholly pointless

Or was I laughing too loud

At jokes that weren’t meant to be funny

Or did I stand at the bar

And eavesdrop on conversations, quite openly.

It’s funny you should tell me

Because I noticed you as well

You weren’t looking like you were happy

Don’t ask but I could tell.

What gave me the idea

That you were a loner

Were you hobnobbing with a crowd of people

All collectively glad you’re there

Or was it the fact that in a matter of time

They were around, but not there

Or was it the silent plea for help

That surrounds each brave word you speak

Or the dystopia that you battle with

When you show up at work and leave.

It’s funny I should tell you

Because you noticed me as well

I wasn’t looking like I was happy

I won’t ask but you can tell.