Solitude in a Crowd

Downtown, at dusk, he felt alone
in some strange way he hadn't known
in years. He ate a supper made
of childhood food, and though afraid
of plunging into separateness,
breathed in an unsuspected bliss.

And nearing sunset, now and then,
he flashes to that moment when
he gazed beneath the city lights,
at hurried people with their sights
set straight ahead... And feels again
the calm that comes from deep within.