I know now
that I have
always been
alone...
I laugh at
my former faith
in the saying
"friends are forever"...
As I trudge
through this
desert of a life
friends and companions
seem to be
hands
materializing out of
nothingness...
their sole purpose
being to offer me
a small cup of
water, a bit of
shade, and a
smattering of
physical contact
letting me know
that though
I walk alone
others do exist
Laughter usually
denotes happiness
or joy-
I laugh because
there are too
many things
to cry about...
I cease my
cackling for a
moment because
a thought, too vivid
for emotion
comes to mind
5 billion people
on this planet
and yet
I tread
through this weary
existence
alone...

I lick the tears
from my lips
as I laugh
again...

hysterical-
and
alone...