Laughter,

Yelling,

Storytelling.

Loud voices fill the room,

Yet none are welcoming to me.

None acknowledge my very presence,

As if I were nonexistent.

No one here to talk to,

The only things that welcome me,

Are the shadows,

And my own overwhelming thoughts.

I could melt away,

& not a soul would endure sorrow,

As if I were never here,

As if I ignored them.

Perhaps,

I might as well melt away,

Be one with the shadows.

Escape fright & fear,

Elude anger & infuriation,

Evade sadness & despair, 

& finally,

Truly,

Be joyful & delighted.

I'm melting away now,

Not a soul giving care,

Yet I smile,

Smile as if I were known,

As if I were loved,

As if I was accepted by my peers.

The only acceptance,

Is that of the shadows',

Not by family,

Nor colleagues,

But I accept the darkness,

Even as it overwhelms me.

I've completely melted away now,

My essence gone,

But a smile on my face.