It creeps up on you,
quiet and still,
sits by your side in the dark,
strokes your hair as you sleep.

It wraps itself around your bones,
squeezing so tight you almost can’t breathe.
It leaves lies in your heart,
lies next to you at night,
leaches the light out from every corner.

It’s a constant companion,
clasping your hand
only to yank you down
when you’re struggling to stand up.

You wake up in the morning
and wonder
who you are.
You fail to fall asleep at night
and tremble in your skin.

You doubt
you doubt
you doubt
do I
don’t I
should I
why won’t I

And even when you’re ready to let go.
When you’re ready to break free.
When you’re ready to be brand-new.
Loneliness is an old friend
standing beside you in the mirror,
looking you in the eye,
challenging you to live your life without it.

You can’t find the words to fight yourself,
to fight the words screaming
that you’re not enough
never enough
never ever enough.

Loneliness is a bitter,
wretched companion.
Sometimes it just won’t let go.

Unravel Me.