I say, “I’m fine,” otherwise,
He’ll say, “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Another lie through our masks.
Can we please stop?
Stop going through the motions
To spare others
The burden of being human?
Instead,
Swallow me in a bear hug, already,
Compress me until my eyes run dry.
Fold by fold,
Tuck me into a cocoon
Until I snore
Daintily as a congested dragon.
Then yes, thank you,
I would love a cup of tea.
May I pour for you?
-Melissa Donley