She Used to Work Here

Poetic Asides – Poem-A-Day Challenge – Day 21 Prompt:

Today's prompt requires that you do a little snooping. That's right: I want you to write a "snooping" poem today. Basically, you need to write a poem that incorporates a bit of overheard dialogue (can be in real life or off the television) or even a quote taken from a news story online (if you happen to be a hermit).

If you're not a recluse, then venture out to places where people are: grocery stores, malls, college campuses, cinemas, airports, post offices, etc. This is the perfect excuse for you to be among the people. And once among the people, don't worry about socializing; instead, listen until you have something that makes you want to write.

“…she’s no longer with the company.”
given up a life of contact
for a life of solitude
prefers silence to companionship

Is that possible?
Can one be happy locked away
the quiet life of a hermit
Leaving the voices behind

a quite romantic idea
returning to the simple life
no arguments, no conflict
no relationships requiring effort

I need a measure of alone time
function well when I can escape
into a cocoon of my own
But there is loneliness there

that soon becomes unbearable
my heart cries out to connect
to know and be known
“…is she any different?”

TLS, April 2008