Why so oft do I seek such solitude and seclusion

Why so oft do I seek such solitude and seclusion
When ere I spend mere moments among stranged folk
Ist not I that art more strange than they
For though in my eyes they appear more common
I am more to them (I imagine) an exhibit at the zoo

Lost in the lonely hours
Where dismal days are all a maze
I venture here or there
For hours of years
And venture out again
When ere the dawn hath broke
Or twilight doth take

Once again, fair friend
We embark upon another day
And this one I pray
May be more of joy
Than the day before

Still sorrow doth seep in once more
And knocks at my door
As oft I engage it

So much I give of time these days
I wonder tis selfish for a season of silence
When moment to moment
I rush in or rush out
Ist too much to ask
Not to converse about

Some are given to speech
Whenever others are near
Yet when this is one's profession
One's work (one's obsession)
Tis tiresome to engage in
At the end of the day

Too engage in the mindless melodies
That meander their way
Throughout the moments of the day
I find more restful
Than talk or play

True in its own
Tis not a terrible trait
At least not all the time
At any rate

Perhaps tis fate
I did fall to this trade
For which I am
All too often little paid

Other professions
Surely have their obsessions
Though perhaps more subtle than this

I do care for those
Whether common or rare
Tis just not always
I like to share

And whether to be known
Or not known by name
I wish at least
To be known
As fellow
As friend

-Joshua Lee Foist