I was hurting, bleeding inside
This affliction within won’t subside.

I tried to pretend
no one does comprehend.

My favorite line is “I’m Okay”
yet, nobody discerns what I mean to say.

I smile.
I laugh.

Sure, they didn’t descry
how vanquished I am inside.

When will they ever glimpse
the reality behind my spurious smiles?

Have they not perceived
that I’m slowly dying inside?