Lonely Strangers

Solitude is not the same as being alone.  
Where the dark shadows start to feel like home.  
Where a room full of people still feels totally empty.
You see, a bird with clipped wings is not really free.
A smile is only a smile on the surface of the face.
History is only history when left behind in place.  
She could feel him fading away like a forbidden fantasy
Taking responsibility for the outcome to somewhat a degree.
Just like when footprints are left in the sand,
An impression fades into the hull of the land.
She could feel his departure; his heart that was changing.
She considered her thoughts that could use some arranging.
She acknowledged that he was now a different man.  
There are parts of life that take time to understand.
She closed her eyes, breathed in and out.  
She would always be okay beyond any doubt.
She asked herself if she might still have it in her to care.
It had honestly been years since he’d really been there.
For so long, she had fought the front lines alone,
Taking care of the family, the dogs, and their home.
Only one thought was certain, of that she was sure.
She felt as much a stranger to him as he did to her.