friendships forged between cups of coffee and verses

Greetings, friends.

I'm one of those people who always need solitude. Actually, I try to avoid gatherings and crowds. At most, I can tolerate family celebrations (birthdays, Christmas, New Year's, etc.). However, I do enjoy those get-togethers with colleagues and friends in cafes. Nevertheless, it's not something I seek out every day… although I do miss them when days go by without seeing them.

It's strange how someone who enjoys solitude always needs company from time to time. And it's not with everyone or many people. I have my close circle of friends that I frequently rely on to break that solitude.

Of course, my son doesn't count in all of this. He's the only constant company I need. He doesn't count because my son is a part of me; I can't be without him.

Speaking of solitude, there are times when loneliness feels different and in different ways. I don't know if it's just me (I don't think so), but sometimes, even when I'm with other people, I've felt alone. There are times when I've isolated myself in my chair, with my coffee, and even while working in a packed café. I've needed that isolation, that solitude, to work.

And just as I disconnect from the world when I need to, I can also connect with those savior friends who always arrive with laughter and poetry to brighten my day. With them, I can talk and feel that I'm not alone.

Even without being physically present, they have the almost magical ability to make their presence felt, always with me. That's what friendships forged over cups of coffee and verses are like.