There are gifts we can give to those in our lives, offerings that take a wide variety of shapes, all have their own weight but some are heavier, some matter more. One, that I believe comes with more heft and gravity than any other, is the promise that no matter what comes, those we love will never have to be alone again. I think we live in perpetual fear of this, of loneliness, of the emptiness that comes when we feel unheard, unseen, left solitary and searching. I think this fear influences so many different decisions we make, forcing us into settling for jobs we loathe, relationships that do not fulfill us, situations we think are the best we’re going to get. It’s after this the suffering comes, it’s after we resolve that it’s better than being alone, that we understand that loneliness and being alone are separate beasts that share a similar growl.
Dear Tyler, as one who, in my youth, was often clinically lonely, I so much appreciate your reflection and Haiku for today. Thank you!
I am doing all I can with my relatives, but I am worried about the neighbors who live close beside us (we live on a cul de sac). We try to socialize with careful distance and masks, and they seem to really appreciate that. Some are single persons. We often had block parties in the past and even now sometimes gather for a bonfire. Just letting people know that you are close by and care can be such a tremendous boost. And I often feel so happy when I can do a little something. That’s all it takes
Here are some Haiku verses distilling my thoughts:
Dear Tyler, as one who, in my youth, was often clinically lonely, I so much appreciate your reflection and Haiku for today. Thank you!
I am doing all I can with my relatives, but I am worried about the neighbors who live close beside us (we live on a cul de sac). We try to socialize with careful distance and masks, and they seem to really appreciate that. Some are single persons. We often had block parties in the past and even now sometimes gather for a bonfire. Just letting people know that you are close by and care can be such a tremendous boost. And I often feel so happy when I can do a little something. That’s all it takes
Here are some Haiku verses distilling my thoughts:
———
Keeping in Touch With our Neighbors
———
not easy these days
but there are so many ways
to do it — just try!
———
why not simply wave,
send neighbors a little note,
help with a favor?
———
little things give joy —
how about cookies or pies
Or some other treat?
———
we have to stay close
and show others that we care,
be community
———