Two Solitudes

by Shawn Smith June 26, 2007

here we stand
two solitudes
groping in the dark
for meaning
calling out to one another
but not hearing the other's voice

touching
but not feeling
embracing
but not holding
arms extended
but never reaching
crying
but never dying

the groping continues
alone
so utterly alone
in the dark

you are over there-
somewhere
but I cannot come to you
for the darkness separates us

where, oh where are you
my love?
the solitude is much too painful
to bear