Desperate Chatter

In a crowded room, my voice rang loud and free,

a desperate joke drew the laughter to me.

A moment of glee, a fleeting embrace,

yet I felt the thrill of attention, a chase.

I spun wild tales, bright colors on show,

for every loud laugh, my heart hit a low.

For moments of joy, I lost something real,

a mask over longing, wrapped tight like a seal.