we find ourselves sometimes just outside the circle of accepted.
even though we may have at one time participated in activities of similarity,
recurring invitation to camaraderie is left unsent.
what then?
how do we overcome the feelings of exclusion?
how can we reaffirm our self-worth when left isolated -
bargain rack in the mall of popularity?


so easy, it becomes,
conforming to agenda of indifference.
no regret.
no apathy by proxy.
and as the days go by,
the loneliness becomes expected -
accepted.