what loneliness has shown me

the anatomy of longing

silence’s kindest smile

the true length of a moment

(it can go on a while!)

the sound of my own thoughts

their wariness and wit

but most importantly of all

the One i watch them with

the taste of my desires

bitter, salty, sour, sweet

the true face of my feelings

each time with them i meet

the symphonies in birdsong

the orchestra of leaves

the true meaning of home

(not what I first believed)

the shape of my neighborhood

the texture of its skin

and simple joys like

giving little puppies some chicken

that vehicles can chuckle

and computers can sigh

that plants have strong opinions

and roads can ask you “why?”