We all lead separate lives

Wrapped in our own cocoons

Trusting neither self nor others

To witness our private wounds.

Sometimes our eyes may meet

Across a table, over coffee

Threatening to bare our souls-

In panic, we then try to flee.

Our trials and tribulations

Are unique, convinced are we:

No one, we are certain,

Can comprehend our misery. 

Never realizing how all of us

Struggle with similar pain

Facing, and braving similar fears

Alone, in our shells we remain.