I don’t mind being alone.

It’s being lonely that hurts.

I’m alone when I play music in a silent room,

Quietly working by myself.

I’m lonely when she walks in and plays her music twice as loud,

So I put in my earbuds,

Even though they hurt my ears.

It’s fine.

She didn’t realize.

I’m alone when it’s late at night and I’m in my room

And it feels like I’m the only person alive.

I’m lonely when she scolds me for being awake

When I’ve been trying to sleep for hours.

It’s fine.

She doesn’t understand.

I’m alone when I don’t talk to anyone,

Content to be peaceful on my own.

I’m lonely when I can’t tell you all the things I’m dying to say,

Scared you’ll leave or you’ll judge or worse-

You won’t care.

Sometimes it feels less lonely to simply be alone.