loneliness

you see the loneliness 

in their eyes.

in the way they walk

towards home.

you see it in their faces

as the bus goes

by. 

fatigue

in the smear of windows

behind the cold fall

of rain.

you see it in men at bars,

nursing drinks

until three a.m., in the women

with their children

pushing forward.

you see the loneliness

in the teachers, the long day.

the traffic cop.

the whores in lipstick

walking

the plank each night.

you see it the salesman,

the maids,

the shopkeepers, the priests

in black.

each one alone,

in the end.

you see it in each 

and everyone,

and in your own face as

you stand before the mirror.