If you really knew me,

      you would know:

I'm not as happy as everyone thinks.

My face is concealed

            by a mask covered with smiles that glow.

But deep down you must know,

                        my heart

             is suffocating

                   like a fish out of water.

Each night, 

I break down crying;

        as everything falls apart.

When I say "Everything is fine,"

please know,

     I'm lying.

I'm sorry if your boyfriend dumped you and

I'm sorry if your parents are getting a divorce.

I feel awful,

     and I wish I could help.

But I hate to break it to you,

              it could be so much worse.

I'm sorry if you gained a few pounds

or your dad just lost his job,

but don't forget,

          those smile so bright

          put up the biggest fight.

And throughout each night,

     d

       r

        o

         w

           n

in their silent sea of sobs.