Alone in a Crowd

by Pamela J Robinson

Did a poet say that?
For it contains the basis of poetry -
feeling;
Or a philosopher -
for it shows wisdom;
Or a romantic,
down and out,
for it contains
most of all
understanding -

Understanding -
the wisdom that comes
to those who feel,
those who, degraded,
companionless
and uninspired,
can feel compassion
but know not how to offer it.

Alone in a crowd?
They ask how possible?
Not only possible
but terribly,
poignantly,
true.