lonely
i stare at the only
burnt chip
in my lunchbox.

it reminds me
of myself.
it too knows what it's like to be
different to everyone else.

to feel like
you don't belong.
like a b flat
in a c major song.

like a cat
in a group of dogs.
like a rose that
finds itself in a field of daisies.

"are you okay?",
an unfamiliar voice wakes
me from my thoughts.

i look up from my lunchbox
and stare into the face
of a kind-looking boy with brown locks.

"yes, i'm okay",
i say,
startled by the fact
that he had decided to interact
with me.

"are you sure?
you looked quite sad."
"no, i'm fine, but i'm glad
that you asked."

"well, anyway,
if you ever need anything,
if it is tomorrow, or today,
just give me a ring."

he gives me
his phone number.
and tells me he'd be happy
to give me some company.

"thank you, that's nice",
i probably said at least twice.

he says he's glad
that he could help
because he knows what it's like
to be alone and sad.

i smile at him
and the first time since i arrived
the smile actually touches each eye
and inside, i don't even cry.