As paths diverge, I look around  at the parts of me,  refused ignored disregarded  scattered about,  and begin  to gather them one by one:  care hope effort understanding,  and weave them into  a blanket of renewal

Exact change,  nothing extra, next, the bodacious ask to pack pockets full, overflowing, then poof

Laughter pealed from me unintentionally escaping, while observing  a mundane exchange,  shot into space  without warning. It burst from me  unbounded, with irrational duration,  and returned for a second encore, then a third.

Not one got close; walls up, fortified, more than enough loss for a lifetime, protected in solitude, until one day.