Relationships

Relationships

can't live with them

can't live without them

as an introvert I find relationships a challenge

I can be friendly

and articulate about things that matter to me

I can smile

and even attend

and honestly

if we are being honest

I care a lot about people

I will do almost anything for someone I care about

I can't get very invested

even over invested

in another

wanting all the best for them

often behind the scenes I am supporting

protecting

helping

but often I am a stealth friend

because when it comes to

just being with another person?

that is scary

tiring

confusing

and I feel more like

the 13 year old Stephen

a little awkward

ears sticking out

buzz cut

ugly glasses

and lets not forget that back brace

I am an introvert

pure and simple

so I care

and people don't really know 

I think about others

but I often don't let them know

I work for others

and

well

they don't know

 

and then

ah yes, this is the fun part

I find myself frustrated

by the isolation which I myself have created

 

so at work

at church

even at home

certainly in the community

I become a human doing

using what I accomplish as the measure of my existence

and

I long for what I seem to struggle most to build

 

friendship