Loneliness Poem by Kathleen J. Shields

Surrounded by a crowd
So much to see and do.
So many happy faces,
Like being in a zoo.

I smile looking out at them
I greet them with a song.
Then they walk away from me.
What am I doing wrong?

It happens at a tradeshow
At parties and my church.
I'm smiling on display
Set on my prison perch.

No one who glances at me
Really seems to care
They claim they do but don't
They're never really there.

They use me for my eagerness
They see what they can get.
They are doing for themselves.
I wish we never met.

I'd rather be alone
And think that they are good
Than realize they exploit
And use me all they could.

At least then all my loneliness
Would not be linked with fears
Of disappointed moments
And fighting back the tears.