Loneliness #FlashPoetry

This topic was interesting for me to work with. Recently I've been watching this show on Hulu called Alone. It's a survivalist challenge-type competition show, where professional wilderness survivalists are dropped on a location with a set amount of tools that they chose. They have the skills and knowledge to survive in the wilderness, but the true challenge comes in the form of loneliness. They must do the challenge alone. They are even separated from other competitors by geographical barriers such as rivers or mountain ridges. No contact from the outside world or their loved ones, and they agreed to see how long they could survive in the wild before calling to be rescued, the maximum goal being a year alone out there. The last person standing wins half a million dollars.

I have seen people exceed expectations and completely adapt to their new environment: shelter, food source, water source, etc. However, the one thing that keeps bringing down these people, is loneliness. They miss their families, or they can't cope with being alone with their thoughts without distractions. I found that fascinating. I used this to inspire this version of Flash Poetry.

I followed the same rules; I incorporated the 8 words provided for the theme within the piece.

- isolation

- empty

- quiet

- monotony

- ache

- silence

- longing

- seclusion

---

Loneliness.

Why does it have such a sad tone?

Being alone can be beautiful.

To enjoy being with oneself,

not depending on others to make us feel whole.

Why can't we embrace it?

Must we always be connected?

Physically touch someone else,

hear their voice,

see their face.

Can't we desire to be alone?

When does being alone, turn into loneliness?

You could have everything you need:

Food

Water

Comfort

But with nobody to share it with...

are you left with that longing?

Is it because we miss the reliance?

Are we not able to handle isolation?

Or is it because we can not stand to be left alone,

with ourselves.

Nobody to distract you from your own thoughts.

Your fears,

your mistakes, and your regrets.

Can we not sit in silence without wanting to break it?

Would we go mad if we remain too quiet?

Facing seclusion could be therapeutic,

or perhaps, leave you needing therapy.

Is it because we become empty?

No outer stimulation to fill your soul.

Does the day turning into night,

and back into day once more,

only leave us with facing monotony?

How come it makes us ache?

I think we all need to face ourselves,

eventually.

But maybe in small doses.

Loneliness helps you appreciate the company of others,

or even teaches you to love yourself,

or better yet...

forgive yourself.