New Voice

disconnected

i look around me
and i see them all
talking
laughing
happy to be sitting together.
i laugh along too
even though
i didn't hear
the joke.
i feel so disconnected,
like i am not supposed to be here.
but how could i say that
without hurting someone's feelings,
without offending anyone?
it's not you,
it's me.
but that would only
make them feel worried
about me,
and that is the last thing i want,
to be a burden
on someone's shoulders.
nothing is wrong.
i just need some alone time,
a good book,
a cup of warm tea,
and everything will be fine.