But my lonely seeps deep into my bones,
twisting and turning them as my body aches.
Don't ever tell me lonely is only emotional pain
because there have been times my intestines lit fire
and my knees gave way,
introducing my hands to any floor they meet.
Don't tell me you never laid in bed
your body heavy as an anchor
hoping your ship will set sail if you can just make a wave.
And don't tell me you never stood in the cold night wind
the middle of winter
as it blew comfortably right through you
because the bitter doesn't compare to what lies within.

*Don't tell me.