I whisper softly 'hello'
Hoping to find refuge
In the sound of a voice,
Tucked away somewhere
In this ritualistic circle
Of idle chit chat
And small laughter,
But all I hear back
Is silence clawing out of me
Wrapping me in a greyish veil
As I scatter smiles and nods
Of 'Yes and no' s,
Growing further and further
Deeper within,
Wandering in the confines
Of my own thoughts.
MT ~2-6-2022