Tomorrow is a day for American celebration.

A day for cheer and thanks.

Community brought to the front and center stage.

Warm from food and hugs.

Sparkling cider intense on the tongue.

But not an experience everyone has.

***

There are always the lonely ones.

Those that do not have the same type of community.

Blood family a thorn in the side and found family few or nonexistent.

Spending the dinner eating leftover food in the dark.

Or worse still, eating dinner with family but not any less alone.

Secluded in that little corner you know so well.

***

It is rarely because you chose to be there.

You were placed there by others or circumstances beyond control.

Forced to observe from the outside in.

A one way glass window.

You may look but never touch.

It never matters how badly you want to interact back.

***

I am also one of those lonely ones.

I have been in that same dark corner.

Seemingly put on timeout from life.

No end in sight.

Next time you visit those same two walls, know that you are not the only one.

Maybe, just maybe, the hint of my presence can also give you a little warmth.