Once I Thought Poem by D. S. Jones

Once I thought solitude was good
peace-filled hours to read,
to think, to count stitches.
Those were days filled
with voices clamoring for attention or
cars on busy streets and
crying children in restaurants.
I didn't see the loneliness of hours
stretching out before me as
looking out the window and
no one caring. Or
walking on an endless beach alone,
or locked within a body
unable to express what you want.
I seek no more for those quiet hours;
grateful of the compass of friends and
family, seeing now the noise filled
restaurants and shops and busy streets
a gift of life.
The struggle to read, to think, to count stitches
is merely a chance to share.
I once thought solitude was good
Oh, what a foolish child!