I’ve always liked my solitude, it’s true,
but I’ve my room and nothing much forbids
me spending time with others – 2, 2, 2 –
my parents once, my brothers, and my kids.
I have relationships that do me good,
and maybe that’s why I don’t want a mate
the way some girlfriends tell me that I should –
I tried that more than twice and learned I hate
frustrated more than lonely; it’s no fun.
The friends who nag are actually bereft
of family: from death, M’s down to one;
P hurt her kin and now there’s nothing left.
Each stands alone and seeks a mate, to mark
her room and vanquish goblins in the dark.