Loneliness

Thoreau cheated when he listed his essentials. He named them Shelter, Food and Fuel. He spoke eloquently of solitude, but he discounted loneliness, as though he stood above it. It's possible that he did, though I suspect he wasn't averse to home comforts when he felt the need. Especially the comfort of the company of loved ones. If I were to list my essentials that's the thing that would come first. A house, quiet and alone in the woods, may sound attractive and romantic, and it is. So long as out there, somewhere, are friends who are always welcoming, always ready with a smile, solitude is a quality one may enjoy. Without that, solitude can so easily turn to loneliness, the quiet house, alone in the woods, become a grey-walled prison.

What do you say at any time of the year to someone who says: "I am lonely"? What do you say, what do you do especially when it happens at Christmas?

You do what you can. No matter what it is, it's never enough.

For all my love of the Christmas season, this is the spectre always present at my feast. All the lonely people.

I've no idea why it should be so but this thought is stronger in me this year than ever before. I shall not let it spoil my joy, nor, more importantly, shall I let it spoil things for my loved ones. We shall still close the door on Christmas Eve, shutting out the cold. No matter how many gifts and donations I may make, it won't be enough. As I stand, glass in hand, looking out, I hope I'll have time for a thought for those who will be alone and lonely. Even though it'll not be enough.

December 7, 1998

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