I banned the word ‘loneliness’ from my
vocabulary and replaced it with ‘solitude’
solitude is so much better, much more bearable
self-imposed, intentional, pleasing, satisfying solitude
where I am not lonely but with my own self
where I have intense discussions with my ego
where I can evaluate my problems and faults
where I can be wrong, even obstinate
without repercussions or reprisals
wonderful, beautiful solitude
my voluntary retreat from mortality
protects me from the outside world
shields me from life’s noise and troubles
allows me to gaze out from my bubble
into the chaos, bedlam, and disarray
of the world outside
in my solitude I can create my own
universe, my own alternate reality
where I will never be lonely again
where I will be free from restraints
where my driving force will be spiritual
where love of self opens up my eyes and mind
where I can truly be who I was meant to be