Returning to the pool
For the first time in over a year
Felt splendid
Slicing through the water again
Restarting my optimal with laps

But what got me most
Were the people
Chatting, even if just for a few seconds
On random things
Something sparked in me

I crave human interaction
An extrovert forced into an
Introverted cocoon against her will
Sure, I enjoy my alone time

But....
Not all the time
I'm not the party lady I used to be
Too old, outgrown it

But I'm looking, searching desperately
To find like minded individuals
In my plethora of hobbies
Where I can make new friends
Get out of my house more

I always attract people
I'm that woman with the warm smile
Everyone gravitates to
Be it at the pool
Locker room, train, subway
Store, airport, plane

But I must keep chipping away
At this block until I can be among
Humans more
My solitude hasn't brought me ease
And loneliness can get dangerous

I'm just ready to be free of my constraints
Not all at once
But eventually
I just want soar
The Phoenix continuously
Rising further above the ashes