The Invisibility of the Lonely

The invisibility of the lonely
Is known and is felt by all;
For even the kings on their thrones
Have felt transparent and small.

When no one notices their laughter,
When no one acknowledges their tears,
When a blind eye is turned to their triumphs,
And a deaf ear is turned to their fears.

Do you feel like you're fading, dear brother?
Fading faster than sight and than sound?
Transparent as wind over water?
Short-lived like dew on the ground?

Do you feel like there is nobody watching
Or caring for whatever you do?
Does it seem that there's a wave of darkness
Swallowing all of the life that's in you?

The invisibility is closing in now
Because the fools won't see who you are.
They have stolen the light that was in you
That once made you shine like a star.

I will join you in your translucence,
Take your hand and teach you to run
Out of the darkness of the lonely and
Back to your place in the sun.

For the invisibility of the lonely
Will always be felt by a few
But I will not stand by, my brother,
If the lonely that's fading is you.
                                  --Beth Wallek