Alone

Language... has created the word 'loneliness' to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word 'solitude' to express the glory of being alone. ~ Paul Tillich

I've been alone, lonely.
I've longed for companionship,
for someone who understood,
for a kind touch, a soft word,
a hug.

I've been alone, solo, in solitude.
I've had my needs met, my comfort,
my contentment. I've known the joy,
the peace, of solitude and needed nothing.

The state of being is the same.
The state of mind worlds apart.