Pretender

Life’s not always what it seems.
You think I’m living high,
My struggle is deep.
I act like everything’s fine.
But you’d never know.
Because I’m a pretender.
Pretty smile.
Eyes shining.
Quick wit.
Though, my cheeks hurt from the smiling.
And my anxiety is overpowering.
You’d never know.
Because I’m a pretender.
I make you laugh.
Ease your sadness.
Comfort you in my arms.
At night I can’t breathe.
I can’t sleep.
I can’t dream.
But you’d never know.
I’m a pretender.
It’s because I don’t want you to know.
Don’t want you to worry.
You’ve got enough to deal with.
I’ll be ok.
I’m a survivor.
Cliché? Probably.
It’s true though.
I’m not one to give up.
So I’ll keep loving and living.
Laughing and breathing.
And pretending.