I see people living a settled for life. I see people choosing a settled for husband or wife. I see people being controlled by the fear in their lives. Instead of living a life of greatness, they settle for a life that is merely good. And as I see people, I see myself. Loneliness is a predator that stalks my world; it fills my life with fear of being old and alone. I continually get drawn forward by my fear. And then you enter my life. I say I am happy when I am with you. The question is it really happiness I feel, or is it just the fact I do not want to be alone wonders through my mind. Do I reach out my hand for you out of love? Isn’t love supposed to be more than this, is not your happiness suppose to be more important than my own. Now the days of you have gone by. The illusion of happiness has dimmed with time. I still think of you and the knowledge that our time together has granted me. That happiness cannot be granted by another; it has to come internally. “Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be. “ - Abraham Lincoln This Quote by Lincoln and events from my own life were the inspiration for this poem. I am looking for feedback, so any comments would be appreciated.