The complete silence,

So calming and yet so concentrating,

It's arms massage my headaches,

And its presence helps my mind imprint on the paper.

Silence comes with the night;

So night,

Come quickly.

- Michael Hall

a hundred bodies

and twice as many eyes

all writhing together in a (b)air(ly)-

conditioned room.

sun beating through windows,

an oppressive tirade.

hot. stifling. each breath thick

with discomfort. and yet,

no warmth here.

words are empty,

smiles plastic.

tiring. tiresome.

"how are you?"

and the smallest response,

"good, and you?"

or "not bad," when feeling bold.

but there's barely even time for that,

words blending together into a mumble

as the bodies writhe on,

press forward.

friendship is a nod in a hallway.

empty.

plastic.

but still,

"not bad"

Stars,

Each individual, light years away, observing my life from space, watching me flash by just as they do.

Cool breezes on rooftops,

My late night coffee keeping my hands warm while he lights up my eyes, matching the stars above

Our walks through the park,

Your hand fitting mine like a lock to a key

We stroll along under the soft moonlight, you pushing me on the swings, stopping to give quick sweet kisses.

My solitude

The many hours I've driven in the dark, the illumination from the radio the only light in the car,

So many fresh breaths of air with my windows down

The night, my escape from bright criticizing lights.