Solitary man

His face is pulled and contorted at odd angles
unnatural smile upon his face
strained laughter falls from his trembling lips
forced and quickly waning

Years of solitude have made him forget
how to pretend, and how to react
to a moments gaze and brush of a strangers hand
his heart beat quickens and his hands turn cold

Frightened and overwhelmed by sensation
he rapidly pulls away cursing his uncertainty
he opens his mouth and stumbles over a greeting
wondering silently how he got this way

he looks at his hands and closes his eyes
taking in a shaky breath of relief
flooded with bottled emotion and loss of pride
he walks away longingly and unsure