I remember growing up
how lonely it could be at times.
Others went to parties
that I never got an invitation to.
Even as I got older,
the invitations were never there.
I always went out on my own
and watched from a distance at others having fun.
Sometimes I could feel the tears welling up inside
at being on my own especially at Christmas time.
I felt for those who made their home on Cardboard Avenue
and a great respect for those who gave up their time
to man Soup Kitchens here and there.
Always as Christmas appears no matter how happy I feel,
I still remember
those lonely ones I spent on my own.
11 December 2008