All the emptiness within

Even in the midst of crowds, I've seen it—this emptiness within.
Even surrounded by so many familiar faces, I've felt my breath grow short; felt the urge to escape somewhere far from this world.
I've tried hating life itself, yet after everything, it remains the closest thing I have.

Really, what's near or far when all I have is myself?
With all of this, I'm trying to lose myself somewhere else in the world.
"One who chooses to disappear, who stays lost in the distance, cannot be found, should not be sought." ...Where did I read that? Or did I hear it in some movie? Or maybe neither—maybe it just came to me now? Who knows!

If someone finds peace in being lost, then let them be—they too want to live, don't they?
Why all this unnecessary pulling and fussing over someone who remains profoundly alone even in these crowds?

The one who appears happy to others—is he truly happy all the time?
Can happiness be seen?
Does happiness mean the same thing to everyone?