This is surely a description of a walk in a cemetery?
I've seen those people, walking among the silent friends and family, looking for some companionship and comfort.
I couldn't have said it better. ~ Geez.
.

I really like this pensive mood, (and what it produced,) of yours. my favorite lines are:

a breath of companionship,
one reason to come alive...
waiting for an opening salutation,

"Hello."

as for me, I once was a spirit, ghost if you will, magnet! it wore me out.

*hugs, Cat

A beautiful capture of the unspoken words and buried emotions if I got it right.
I thought the used metaphor of these emotions trying to "push through rocks, loam, and roots" suggests the difficulty and the struggle people often have in expressing themselves or reaching out.
Sometimes one simple word such as " hello" or any simple and kind act might bring warmth and interaction into life to someone.
At least my take
Wonderfully done!
Bless you and your pen
Thank you for sharing dear friend

is it your wondering imagination on how could possibly the dead people (who lie lonely down there ) wish to reach the ones still alive even if with a simple salute.
This piece has a lot to say and provoked my thinking.

Would very much hear the author's interpretation:)

Reminds me of same situation my dear mom once got into. I mean moving from where she was busy with life really buzzing around, to a very quiet place.
I don't say this is a bad thing, but it's not totally that healthy.
Keep up the great work dearest Lavender.