In Praise of Solitude
by Joshua Coats

The sun still shines for all upon the Earth,
Upon this day, although it seems reserv'd
For those who love, but since affection's birth
Is greater joy in truth and right deserv'd?

For who's in fact ahead the rest if they
May keep their hours as they alone see best?
Alone, I wake and think perhaps the day
Would best be spent in many hours of rest.

So I renounce the ways of those that love ---
Within myself is all I truly need.
I look not out, below, beyond, above;
With that in mind, I form this solemn creed:

Desire not the chains for which we trade
Our basic selves: a chance of getting laid!