“…I’m doing fine, thanks,
really good, actually…”

The smile illuminating
her verbal contentment
is boldly coloured in
Take-the-Stage red –
ironically vivid lips,
the gatekeepers
of words locked,
to remain unspoken.
“…work’s going well, yeah
and the kids are doing great…”

A shadow of sadness lying
somewhere deep, still
within her withered heart;
the heart of a young girl,
her small tender hands
holding remains
of a shattered childhood
and crumpled self-worth
“…thanks for asking, and
How are you?…”

One day, perhaps, she may
let the truth rise to the surface….
“…really, I’m doing absolutely fine…”
…But not today.