I’m afraid

A girl afraid of loneliness, keeps herself isolated out of fear.

I’ve known you for years now, but

I don’t know much farther than your favourite colour

And well, neither do you about me

But why is that? 

I’m afraid.

I’m afraid you simply don’t care.

I’m afraid I’ll talk about something genuine 

And you won’t understand.

Because all we do is laugh 

And in between those laughs we share,

What if you never yearned 

To know me,

As I did? 

So I’ll keep joking 

Let the wounds inside fester

Because playing a game of what if 

Is less painful

Than your uncaring gaze on me.

Author's Note

Reach out to the people you love.

Reviews

[AYVID N]

Sometimes, we avoid reaching out for fear of hurt and being rebuffed.
Especially when the other person doesn't seem to care.
This is a beautifully written poem. You strike a chord, you deliver the message totally.

"Because playing a game of what if
Is less painful
Than your uncaring gaze on me."

These are wonderful lines.

[Lonely Bunny]

I’m so glad you liked the poem, Divya. This is the first not bunny-related poem I’ve written in a while so I was a bit nervous.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

"A grape only ripens in the cluster." When cut from the vine of social interaction, we humans cease to grow and ripen as people. But old age should be rich and sweet; heady, like the aroma of overripe apples and full of wisdom to share. They say the squeaking wheel gets the grease so maybe it's best to make some noise now and then if we want the attention.

[Lonely Bunny]

Very true words, Fabian. Thank you for sharing this.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I know bunnies are generally very shy creatures. But I've a nest of babies living under a lawn chair in front of my flower garden. I moved the chair over the nest to kind of keep away neighborhood stray dogs. I almost stepped into nest and heard squeaking so I put a chair over the spot. Mama bunny can still some and go at night and hopefully the babies will be out in about two more weeks.

[Lonely Bunny]

That sounds so sweet! I had two pet bunnies when I was younger. But unfortunately, they had short life spans. The second bunny died of loneliness, hence the name Lonely Bunny.