How Are You

I walk in
  it comes
 that question
"how are you?"
my response
  "good"
smile
just smile
but wait
is that a lie?
did I lie?
Honestly,
  I hurt,
 I'm broken
I'm angry
  I'm not good
 I'm not ok
I want to be
   but I'm not
I'm just not
would you care?
do you want my honesty?
why do you ask?
would you stop?
would you listen?
would you let me cry?
would you pray with me?
   would you?
 Honestly, would you?
There's no time
everyone would look at us
thats more than you want
smile
just smile
just reply
   "good"
keep it all in
 like a good girl
How are you?
   good
smile
 just smile
always smile
its expected
so
HOW ARE YOU?

                 Hollie L. Derr