disconnected

i look around me

and i see them all

talking

laughing

happy to be sitting together.

i laugh along too

even though

i didn't hear

the joke.

i feel so disconnected,

like i am not supposed to be here.

but how could i say that

without hurting someone's feelings,

without offending anyone?

it's not you,

it's me.

but that would only

make them feel worried

about me,

and that is the last thing i want,

to be a burden

on someone's shoulders.

nothing is wrong.

i just need some alone time,

a good book,

a cup of warm tea,

and everything will be fine.