The Basics of Solitude

A poem | Never ending poem challenge

[ 一 ] ONE alONE, the visual of solitude.

You’d think that in solitude you’d be the loneliest?

In solitude we often find that alone does not mean lonely.

[ 二 ] Two, hand in hand, a couple.

The image of companionship could be a facade, as what if you feel empty despite no longer being solo?

[ 三 ] Three: a trio, a mythical unified entity.

This number has strength, in numbers and in unity.

[ 四 ] Four, a number that you’d think would be four lines, is more.

A number I avoid, because of its proximity in sound to death (死).

The final walk that we all take — alone.

Thank you to Jay Avery for his poem on my poem prompt (Acceptance); and for his own poem prompt in return, which guided this poem (Solitude)!

Never-Ending Poem challenge: keep it going! My challenge for you is: Bananas. Write a poetic response, tag ten wondrous poets or simply invite all, add a new prompt, link this poem, then publish!

Tagging these lovely people for this mission: Carolyn Riker | Neha Sandhir S | Imad | Connie Song | Aimée Gramblin

Lucy (The Egg Girl) realized this poem took a dark turn. When she first got the prompt she was downright ready to write about how introversion ≠ loneliness ≠ solitude. She somehow got distracted (classique™) and here we are, mixing in elements of her multilingualism. She also writes about tv shows that make her cry, the three kinds of chopsticks and what they’re for, and meal prep routines that work for her busy grad student lifestyle.