Loneliness

Sparkling lights 
sharpen the edge 
of melancholy 
cutting cleanly through 
the veneer of joy 
laying bare 
the loneliness within 

Celebrations 
ring hollow 
festive bells chime 
a forlorn tune  

Pack up 
the baubles 
store them 
in the dusty closet 
of bitter memories 
for happiness 
has forsaken 
these abandoned streets 
for the sunny climes 
of a brighter world

© 2013 Uma Venkatraman ~ All Rights Reserved