I admit that I do miss being held;
As much as I miss doing the holding.
I do enjoy listening to another’s thoughts
As well as discussing what is happening.
The touching of minds gives almost as much
As the physical touching of each other.
The planning of a traveling times objective
Brings a smile for the trips speculation.
If one can not keep ones mind busy,
Loneliness  can make ones mind; stale.
I have spent close to sixty percent of my time,
Alone. Walking, shopping, planning, surviving.
Empathy is, at times, a terrible thing to  possess,
For feeling other peoples problems can deflect,
But not resolve the quirkiness of just being,
With one’s self all the time.
I will continue to keep my mind and eyes open,
As I may find a mind and body out in the world,
That enjoys talking, holding and jointly planning.
Perhaps, if this happens, Empathy will not be a hindrance
But lead one person to help another, with each other.

                                                         ­        Dan Gray
                                                            ­                           April 19, 2025