My soul years for a soul such as my own, yet my vessel fears it.

I find that my soul instinctively tries to reach for a mirror, another heart that understands, that will resonate with my depth, my warmth and my sensitivity.

My vessel, my body, my mind and my heart is flooded by the constant noise of this shallow world.

It hesitates. It is cautious. It fears being seen too deeply, it fears being exposed, it fears trusting, that another could truly meet me where I am.

I find myself to be amongst the crowd again.

Laughter rings all around me.

I smile, I nod, I speak, yet it is hollow all around me. Words and questions barely scratch the surface.

I am present, and yet, I am nowhere anyone can reach. I ache for someone who asks differently.

Just this once, I plead inwardly with all my heart.

This is a common occurrence.

Just one gentle presence, that will linger in the hollow all around me.

Nothing.

Just, hollowness.

My vessel trembles.

It is exhausted, but my soul still reaches, and still hopes, that perhaps one day, a soul such as mine, will linger in the hollows.