Alive and Living

Is there a difference between living and being alive?

Alive and Living

I see them gathering around me,smiling.
They tell a joke and I laugh on command, not because it's funny.
They don't know the pain that comes with every breath.
I am alive, but I am not living.

I take a breath in and I feel agonizing pain.
I take a breath out and all i think is, make it stop.
My heart beats, but my soul is weak.
I am alive,but am not living.

I see everyone around me live each day.
Smile,laugh,listen,eat. I see them live.
And while they live,I sit here, in this life, and just stay alive.
I write this poem to let you know,I am alive,but I am not living.