Reaching out to people
was always so easy,
introspection even easier.
Engulfing silence…
when so much was to be said,
boisterous speech
when little to be conveyed.

My laughter sure rings loud.
Almost betrays…
the hollowness that surrounds.

Urge to defy?
Or is it the desire to please.
Nonchalance that offends?
Or is it involvement in disguise.

Uncompromising vanity?
Threatened identity?
Whatever whichever…
The complexity is maddening.