I smiled.

It was a smile that was tight-lipped

and flat

and straight,

plain like everything looked

but never was.

It was a smile that was heavy,

and it pulled on my gaze

until I was forced to look down,

everything sinking

in my thoughts

and my chest

and my core.

I smiled,

and another face smiled back with

every intention of being reassuring

and loving

but it was only sad, instead,

because I knew the truth,

and it was a lie.

But then,

it was also a smile that opened up

and spoke love

and empathy

and strength,

and it wasn't only for me

but for its own good, too.

It was a smile,

and it was also a buoy

and a crutch

and a light in the dark -

a hand-hold

and a partner.

It was plain like everything looked

but never was.

I smiled.