In the book "Canada" by Richard Ford, the author poignantly describes loneliness as an experience comparable to standing in a never-ending line. This line represents a longing for fulfillment or connection, with the hope that once you reach the front, something positive will occur. However, the reality is that the line doesn't progress, and new people continue to join in, making the distance to that hopeful destination feel increasingly unattainable.

This metaphor highlights the despair often felt in loneliness, where the initial excitement of what lies ahead slowly fades into a belief that the desired connection or happiness is out of reach. Over time, that hope can diminish, causing one to question if there is still something worthwhile waiting at the front, or if it's merely an illusion that will never be realized.