The Lonely Shadow

I watched her from across the room by light of the candle's glow,
Astounded by her beauty and poise, more than I'd ever know.
I sat alone and went unnoticed, unable to reach out.
A nameless face, a quiet shadow, surrounded by self-doubt.

I'll never know what it was like for I just sat observing,
I didn't talk; I didn't try, for I felt so undeserving.
I looked away and then looked back, only to meet her eyes.
Despite the laughter and the noise, I saw emptiness inside.

Here she was surrounded by many, looking so carefree,
When in her own special way, she was alone like me.
She came to me, sat down to talk; the minutes seemed like hours,
Night progressed and as we talked, the more I learned her powers.

She wasn't brave, she wasn't strong, but put on a brave face,
Her loneliness was hid inside, on the surface, not a trace.
As we talked, the night went on; I learned to be like her.
I laughed and talked and hid inside, my sorrow and fear.

It did not solve my problems or fix what bothered me,
But it did allow me to let go, and feel I was set free.
I made new friends and had some fun, not lonely anymore,
That other me, the lonely shadow, I learned to just ignore.