"How Are You?"

I often wonder if you appreciate my lies

if you are glad for the falsehoods I devise

to keep the lights on in your eyes

when you look at me -

To keep you happy

and unconcerned for my state of mind

my sanity

Do you ever sit and think of me

and wonder why I rarely smile

so bright and true

as convincingly as you

when, day after day you persist to say

how are you?

---

originally written circa 2018 - 2020