Being lonely is so wearing

Eyes averted fingers drum

Lasering of furtive glances

Pain of self-conscious hum

 

Repressed passion lashes

Barricades vast but hidden

Terror of getting through

Fears that come unbidden

 

Desire versus inhibition

Self-image sorely racked

By corroded self-esteem

Egos that failure hacked

 

Behaviours only reinforce

Self-loathing and gloom

Temporary guests unable

To secure a double room

 

A porter eyes them kindly

Seen this charade before

Knows before long they'll

Sigh and head for the door