I love the solitude

That lock-down has given me

No need for excuses

For being reclusive

For being solitary 

And keeping myself

To myself

 

The weeks ahead

Fill me with dread

When masks are removed

And life is improved

Normality restored

But not for me

I just want

To stay at home

To keep my distance

From people, and

The fear they

Instill in me

The pressure to talk

Of small things

Of nothing at all

The anxiety and stress

This brings to me

When all I want

Is to be left alone

To be by myself

 

Nicholas O’Farrell 2021