I loved this but it did make me sad. I think mostly bc I just parted ways with my wonderful male friend who is just like this. And I love him for it. In fact, it's why I'm in love with him. He is always whole, needing no relationship. But that's also why I parted from him. I am too tender for his autonomy and I wanted more than he can ever give. I am not strong enough to be non-attached yet. But I still love him. After some time passes, I will be able to be just his friend, without this longing for more. So, my dear Rea, you are not the only solitary traveler on this globe. Thank you for this perspective
My heart goes out to you, Aynsley. I understand both sides. It's a difficult place to be, and unfair to expect anyone to accept it. You are a beautiful soul.
Thank you for the introduction to Josh (I subbed!) and for this stunning poem which I felt in the marrow of my bones, Rea. I believe every one of us has within us the "solitary witch"--the child borne from natural world who gifted us life and calls to our every sense with the trueness of belonging. There is a completeness there we grow to become separated from in a lost culture but are meant to return to, with the help of others who still see it clearly. You described it so well, including that people were even burned at the stake for it. May they rest in peace!
Rea, this poem is beautiful. I love all of it, but I chose a stanza to discuss.
"I crave intimacy and love
But reject relationships
Fiercely protective of
My sacred personal space
A breathing contradiction "
I totally understand what you are saying about wanting love and intimacy but not relationships. Once someone is in a serious relationship, it can be fraught with lots of overthinking and thinking a lot about what the other person wants -- and an invasion of our personal space. It is a contradiction, but it makes total sense to me.
This feels like looking into a storm and finding your own reflection there — cold, wild, but alive. The way you write about solitude carries such clarity and ache at once; I could feel the quiet hum of it beneath every line. There’s comfort here, yes, but also the soft kind of pain that never really leaves — only learns how to breathe beside you…
Yes! I am recently separated from my husband, not by my choice, but mostly my fault. Now that I have the peace and quiet, and even freedom to be myself without fear of not being a good partner who spends more time alone than engaging with them, I have exactly what you described. When I first moved into my own place, all I felt was relief to be out of the bad situation with us still living in our house together after he had decided we needed to split up. And yes, once I had moved in, the period that followed was pure bliss. But, lately, even though I don’t think I could ever go back to living with him, maybe never with anyone, the shine has worn off in a way and the imbalance of completely alone versus having real connection with people who actually live here that I can go do things with, people who I can communicate with in person and not just virtually. I never have made many friends where I live and we moved here 15 years ago now. I left all of my friends behind in Houston and New Orleans. I take myself out to see live music almost every week, and though I enjoy the music and getting out of the house for a little while, sometimes, it just makes me feel so lonely with no one else there to connect with, no one I know. And think I wouldn’t feel that ache, the one that I doubt will go away completely, so acutely if I only had a “tribe” or even one or two friends to spend time with occasionally. People that I click with and form meaningful relationships with. So yes, I absolutely love living alone *and* yet a yearning and unmet need are both true in tandem. Thanks for your comment. Makes me feel I’m not so alone.
Ellie, thank you for opening up like this~ I felt every word. That part about loving your solitude yet still aching for real connection — that’s such a deeply human truth. You can hold peace in one hand and longing in the other, and both can be honest.
The way you described those moments — the music, the quiet, the ache that sometimes hums underneath — it feels so real, so tender. I think anyone who’s ever sat in that kind of silence will feel seen through your words.
And if it ever feels a little too quiet, just know there are hearts out here — mine included — listening softly with you.
I don't believe you have a cold heart. Your writing burns with a passionate fire. I do understand the protection required to guard your heart and emotions. To be settled in oneself, whole and complete does not require intimacy with another. It only requires you being you. Love, Virg
Bliss perfectly describes it, with a hint of yearning. 💞💞💞
I loved this but it did make me sad. I think mostly bc I just parted ways with my wonderful male friend who is just like this. And I love him for it. In fact, it's why I'm in love with him. He is always whole, needing no relationship. But that's also why I parted from him. I am too tender for his autonomy and I wanted more than he can ever give. I am not strong enough to be non-attached yet. But I still love him. After some time passes, I will be able to be just his friend, without this longing for more. So, my dear Rea, you are not the only solitary traveler on this globe. Thank you for this perspective
My heart goes out to you, Aynsley. I understand both sides. It's a difficult place to be, and unfair to expect anyone to accept it. You are a beautiful soul.
oh, Great Nature and solitude within it...relationships suffer indeed for lovers of as much
True that, B Stings.
;)
Rea, thank you for being so personal. This is beautiful and gives a glimpse into your heart. It is normal to want to feel safe.
Safety! That's it exactly, Stephanie. Thank you.
It is possible to find comfort in loneliness, but the loneliness that separates it can damage
Prolonged periods of company is more harmful to my soul, Adrian. I don't expect anyone to comprehend my madness. 🤍
A beautiful, breathing contradiction, the sacred solitude that both protects and aches.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you for reaching out. 🙏
🙏🙏
Thank you for the introduction to Josh (I subbed!) and for this stunning poem which I felt in the marrow of my bones, Rea. I believe every one of us has within us the "solitary witch"--the child borne from natural world who gifted us life and calls to our every sense with the trueness of belonging. There is a completeness there we grow to become separated from in a lost culture but are meant to return to, with the help of others who still see it clearly. You described it so well, including that people were even burned at the stake for it. May they rest in peace!
May they rest in peace. Thank you for understanding my emotions, Stephanie. 💞
Rea, this poem is beautiful. I love all of it, but I chose a stanza to discuss.
"I crave intimacy and love
But reject relationships
Fiercely protective of
My sacred personal space
A breathing contradiction "
I totally understand what you are saying about wanting love and intimacy but not relationships. Once someone is in a serious relationship, it can be fraught with lots of overthinking and thinking a lot about what the other person wants -- and an invasion of our personal space. It is a contradiction, but it makes total sense to me.
Thank you for understanding my words, Beth. ❤️
Another powerfully written piece of poetry, Rea. Emotional & beautifully descriptive.
The heart safety, locked away in the castles keep.
Having pondered, I came up with the phrase and conclusion that “solitude is sanctuary". But …
I hope that makes sense! 🙏
It makes perfect sense, Mark! Thank you.
Thank you, that’s a relief. 🙏
This feels like looking into a storm and finding your own reflection there — cold, wild, but alive. The way you write about solitude carries such clarity and ache at once; I could feel the quiet hum of it beneath every line. There’s comfort here, yes, but also the soft kind of pain that never really leaves — only learns how to breathe beside you…
No pain in my solitude, mostly bliss. Thank you for this beautiful comment!
For the blissful solitude~! 🥂 🥂
Yes! I am recently separated from my husband, not by my choice, but mostly my fault. Now that I have the peace and quiet, and even freedom to be myself without fear of not being a good partner who spends more time alone than engaging with them, I have exactly what you described. When I first moved into my own place, all I felt was relief to be out of the bad situation with us still living in our house together after he had decided we needed to split up. And yes, once I had moved in, the period that followed was pure bliss. But, lately, even though I don’t think I could ever go back to living with him, maybe never with anyone, the shine has worn off in a way and the imbalance of completely alone versus having real connection with people who actually live here that I can go do things with, people who I can communicate with in person and not just virtually. I never have made many friends where I live and we moved here 15 years ago now. I left all of my friends behind in Houston and New Orleans. I take myself out to see live music almost every week, and though I enjoy the music and getting out of the house for a little while, sometimes, it just makes me feel so lonely with no one else there to connect with, no one I know. And think I wouldn’t feel that ache, the one that I doubt will go away completely, so acutely if I only had a “tribe” or even one or two friends to spend time with occasionally. People that I click with and form meaningful relationships with. So yes, I absolutely love living alone *and* yet a yearning and unmet need are both true in tandem. Thanks for your comment. Makes me feel I’m not so alone.
I understand, Ellie. I'm alone by choice. Do they have bookclubs where you live now? I've met amazing people in 2nd had bookstores. Sending much love.
Ellie, thank you for opening up like this~ I felt every word. That part about loving your solitude yet still aching for real connection — that’s such a deeply human truth. You can hold peace in one hand and longing in the other, and both can be honest.
The way you described those moments — the music, the quiet, the ache that sometimes hums underneath — it feels so real, so tender. I think anyone who’s ever sat in that kind of silence will feel seen through your words.
And if it ever feels a little too quiet, just know there are hearts out here — mine included — listening softly with you.
You are a beautiful soul. 🙏
Coming from you, that means more than I can say~ thank you, Rea. To your beautiful soul too~!
Very emotional writing, Rea. Now for advice. Be romantically reckless for a change!
Are you challenging me, David? Let’s see if you are up to the task. 😉
haha, maybe 10 years ago!
Delicious! The distinction between being lonely…and choosing blissful solitude 🥰
My reply to you is floating at the bottom, somewhere. Bliss describes it perfectly, Esther.
I don't believe you have a cold heart. Your writing burns with a passionate fire. I do understand the protection required to guard your heart and emotions. To be settled in oneself, whole and complete does not require intimacy with another. It only requires you being you. Love, Virg
Thank you for your beautiful comment, Virg. ❤️
love this. love you.
Thank you, Pen.
Oh, I resist this, but I understand it because it - well, it's me. Gorgeous, Rea.
Thank you, Patty!
I think we're all a bit contradictory sometimes. After all, life is hard and gets complicated quickly. Great post, Rea.
That's true! Thank you, Parker.