In the early evening
of this small, mid-western town
all faces hurry homeward
all eyes turned toward the ground.

There are no sounds of laughter
or cheerful voices to neighbors greet
only silent, fearful glances
and the sounds of busy feet.

The silence goes unbroken
as do the unspoken laws;
the travelers never touching
nor stopping without cause.

It’s a sea of loneliness
heading for each private bay
where isolation will protect them
‘till they need emerge – for another day.