How are you?, you ask

“Okay”. I reply with a smile.

All the while, I shout internally I’m not ok!

You accept this answer and carry on by

A stitch in my heart rips further apart

As you walk away convinced by my reply

A small tear runs down my face as yet another part of the real me is hidden

I’m not ok!

I want to tell you, I cry for no particular reason

I want to confess that I sometimes feel alone

I want to open up and feel comforted

I’m not ok!

Instead, I smile and allow you to carry on with your day

Scared of sounding like an emotional wreck

Worried I’ll make you think I’m needy

Embarrassed for feeling so vulnerable

I’m not ok!

Feb 2019- R1