What My Smile Means

I walk into the room and a smile spreads across my face

Everyone assumes so much but little do they know

My smile is usually part of the performance I put on

This smile means I cannot trust you with my genuine feelings right now

It means I do not have the energy to be honest

A forced laugh hides the anxiety weighing down my mind

The half hug is an attempt to fool you into thinking I’m just fine

This doesn’t mean I’m not happy to see you

Or that I wish I hadn’t come

The feigned happiness has nothing to do with you

And everything to do with the voices in my head

Always telling me I’m not enough

So, when you see me smile, know that it’s taken all I have to put it on

Smile back, shake my hand, accept the hug

But know that if I faked a smile for you, it means you are worth faking a smile for