[Cadaverous Pallor]

Loneliness is the realization that we can never truly be with another intellect.

Didn't the Borg Queen warn Picard of this fate?

Surround yourself with people
with occasions and outings and adventures
shared past cultivates similar outlook
but still they can't see how you see
think how you think

We strive for that moment.
A fresh personality walks in
tentative discussion, small talk hellos
courtesies and halting attempts to reach out
something triggers, gains momentum, avalanching
looking into this new friend's eyes and seeing agreement

in those moments, I wish I could catch their hands in mine
dance 'round and 'round without tune or meter
laughing exalting praising yelling
"I have found someone I feel connected with!"
sure, they
never visited your hometown
dislike your favorite food
or perhaps enjoy listening to country music

BUT STILL
they like this and this and this
they read my philosopher
owned Hungry Hungry Hippos
agree on dating etiquette
have a brain and a heart and a wit

excitement for future memories
anticipation to just talk
remembers past friendship flare-ups
knows this is brief so clings fast
the click, the spark, the knock
jump on it before it goes

and the best, the absolute best
is when the differences are intriguing
leading to new concepts and outlooks
hence the excitement, adventure
reacting, transforming
giving and taking
an intercourse of the mind

This scares off the loneliness for a while
kindred in thought and deed
eyes and grins wide
attuned, learning, growing - together.