Solitude

We are the forgotten ones.

We are those who wipe the noses with no one to help hold the box of tissues.

We are those who stay up late making Halloween costumes, only to have to rise earlier than the sun to get the rest of everything done.

We are those who miss out on the parties, because there's no one left to help relieve the load.

We are the ones who are expected to roll with the punches, even after our faces are already all black and blue from so many previous hits.

We are the ones who are taken out of the running for mate and date selections, because we carry others with us.

We are the ones who have so much ability to love, but who are so forcefully overlooked.

We are the single parents of the world...single not in family, because the children are so dear to us. But single in our hearts, for there will be no one left to share our lives when all the work of the day is done.

We are strong. We have to be. But we cry out in loneliness, and no one hears us.

Sometimes, life is hard.