It’s not the same

.

.

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I still miss who I once was. 

I had friends, lots of friends. Like minded friends.

If I needed help there was always someone to help me. If they needed help, I was there to help them. We helped each other

I did what I wanted, when I wanted. Where I wanted.

Never a day passed without a conversation or two. I’d listen to them, they’d listen to me. We listened to one another.

Now, my life has changed. I feel lonely. 

I have job in a warehouse. I stack shelves, I move boxes. I’m just another worker.

I’m surrounded by people, but not people who’s company I enjoy, who’s company I desire. Who’s company I value.

I have a roof over my head, I have a bed. I have food when I want it.

However, it’s not the same.

I slept rough, I slept under some arches. I slept on the ground.

Sometimes I was cold, sometimes damp. Sometimes hungry.

But life was simple, life was uncluttered. Life lived my way, not ruled and regulated by others.

I still miss who I once was.

.

.

Thanks to Sadje for hosting What Do You See?

Image credit; Tanya Barrow @ Unsplash

31 thoughts on “It’s not the same

  1. poetisatinta's avatar poetisatinta June 1, 2026 / 13:23

    Great write Keith – his reflection shows he hasn’t lost his sense of value; he knows exactly what a meaningful life feels like and although the present situation feels heavy, the survival skills and empathy he carries are still entirely his 💞

    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings June 2, 2026 / 16:23

      Ange, thank you so much for your insightful comment.

  2. Sadje/ Sadie's avatar Sadje/ Sadie June 1, 2026 / 13:30

    A profound comparison Keith! Life with friends is better. Thanks for joining in.

    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings June 3, 2026 / 17:32

      There are some things money can’t buy. Thank you, Sadje

      • Sadje/ Sadie's avatar Sadje/ Sadie June 4, 2026 / 01:04

        👍🏼🙏🏼👍🏼

  3. Dale's avatar Dale June 1, 2026 / 13:52

    A tender reflection. I hope he manages to befriend some people.

    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings June 3, 2026 / 17:44

      Given time, I’m sure he will. Thanks so much, Dale.

      • Dale's avatar Dale June 3, 2026 / 17:56

        I am glad…

  4. paeansunplugged's avatar paeansunplugged June 1, 2026 / 13:57

    Such a poignant write, Keith. Sometimes money is not enough.

      • paeansunplugged's avatar paeansunplugged June 3, 2026 / 18:11

        Absolutely! You are so welcome.

  5. Violet Lentz's avatar Violet Lentz June 1, 2026 / 15:59

    I had a dear friend when I lived in California- who chose homelessness over being housed for almost these exact reasons. So well told.

  6. Lydia C. Lee's avatar Lydia C. Lee June 1, 2026 / 21:42

    It’s a good story. I didn’t see where it was going at first. Nice!

  7. pensitivity101's avatar pensitivity101 June 1, 2026 / 22:22

    I can actually relate to this. Good post Keith

  8. beth's avatar beth June 2, 2026 / 03:30

    a surprise twist

  9. gc1963's avatar gc1963 June 2, 2026 / 12:35

    A poignant story. We all miss human connection and freedom of choice.

  10. Suzette Benjamin's avatar Suzette Benjamin June 2, 2026 / 16:43

    Great writing, Keith. A deep message, well presented.

  11. Unknown's avatar Anonymous June 3, 2026 / 11:51

    Such a poignant, moving write, Keith.

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