All You Who Sleep Tonight

All you who sleep tonight
Far from the ones you love,
No hand to left or right
And emptiness above -

Know that you aren't alone
The whole world shares your tears,
Some for two nights or one,
And some for all their years.

- Vikram Seth

I came across these words recently, as the result of a wonderful chain of reactions set in motion a long time ago. The realization that somebody could be so thoughtful, and in an age so frightfully self-consumed, so concerned, to share “mental” and “emotional” space and time with somebody they care about, leaves me awed.

Ah, to love and be loved unconditionally. In all its forms : as lovers, family, as close friends. Undoubtedly, the greatest high one can achieve…