I’m fine

"I'm fine," I say, with a smile in place,

A mask to conceal what I can't erase.

Behind these words, a world may reside,

A sea of emotions, a turbulent tide.

I paint on a face, so steady and strong,

Yet inside, there's a melody, a different song.

I've mastered the art of holding it in,

Of concealing the battles that silently spin.

But deep in the heart, where no eyes can see,

There's a yearning for truth, for vulnerability.

For sometimes "I'm fine" is a shield, a defense,

A way to protect, to keep up pretense.

So let's remember to pause, to truly inquire,

To listen with kindness, to stoke the fire,

Of genuine connection, where honesty flows,

And when someone says "I'm fine," we'll truly know.