I failed to see what was not there

I'm quite pleased Leanne pushed me (a little)...pushed not pleased and joined this site. This is quite another poem that, after reading, I momentarily stop all thought. Then listen not read the words. I find this quite remarkable. "Crowds of acquaintances dressed in best behavior"...such a line (wish the bloody thing was mine) but alas! This is such a HALT! poem. And one that I've not had chance to read of such calibre for some time.  I would offer one suggestion however, to change:"an" to "the" in: "an essential something was missing" and that of course is you.