Loneliness

Loneliness is a strange sort of thing.

It creeps up on you, quiet and still, sits by your side in the dark, strokes your hair as you sleep.

It wraps itself around your bones, squeezing so tight you almost can't breathe.

It leaves lies in your heart, lies next to you at night, leaches the light out from every corner.

It's a constant companion, clasping your hand only to yank you down when you're struggling to stand up.

And even when you're ready to let go.

When you're ready to break free. When you're ready to be brand-new.

Loneliness is an old friend standing beside you in the mirror, looking you in the eye, challenging you to live your life without it.

You can't find the words to fight yourself, to fight the words screaming that you're not enough never enough never ever enough.

Loneliness is a bitter, wretched companion.

Sometimes it just won't let go.