Glasses clanked and wine flowed, lights dimmed and the music slowed. As the night drew on, my disinterest shone, I was among a crowd. & yet I was alone. Holiday plans are discussed Airline miles get told, I belong here, & yet I don't? Who are these people & what do they say, I want to leave, & yet I have to stay. Is it me, Or is it them? I can't seem to keep up & yet I pretend. I know nothing of the gossip they share, I want to seem interested Yet, I frankly don't care. In such moments, you'd be the first to know, how much I'm struggling how badly I want to go. As I spin a parallel world, I'm asked 'Are you ok?' 'Yes, of course' is my answer, And yet, I'm not.