will i ever learn?

Sure it is right to are say "how are you mate"
but do they ever listen to your full wholesome tale
of how you have tried and tried
and yet still seem to fail.

I reach out for the assistance
often so near and close
yet my arm is always too short
for anyone to notice.

The friends that seem so bright and colorful
like some reef sea anemone,
close shut at the first sign of trouble
as if you were the enemy.

This stressful quest, to have someone listen,
i still have to yearn
but the result is always the same
will i ever learn?