I have learned that loneliness loves me

And it gets jealous quickly

I can feel its hand on the back of my neck

Bending my head to the hobbies I have mastered

Because of its persistent pushing

Loneliness loves me in crowds

It finds me in wine glasses and groups of couples

And whispers so that only I can hear

“I am here, and only I will ever love you like this”

It takes my hand and tells me we are leaving early

To empty streets

Empty beds

Running showers, winding streets

Loneliness loves me obsessively

Kisses me until I can’t breathe

Holds me until my ribs ache

Wraps my up like a mess of long tangled hair

No one loves you like loneliness