False Smile 2 Poem by Okim Otu

A mask I wear, to hide my pain,
A disguise to conceal, the tears I've gained,
A facade of joy, to deceive the sight,
Though I smile, I am not fine.

With lips upturned, and eyes aglow,
I pretend to be, what I'm not below,
A happy face, to hide my fears,
Though I smile, I am not fine.

In crowded rooms, I wear this guise,
To blend in seamlessly, with cheerful eyes,
But deep inside, my heart does ache,
Though I smile, I am not fine.

Behind the smile, a story unfolds,
Of struggles and doubts, that never grow old,
A constant fight, to keep it in place,
Though I smile, I am not fine.