Nobody Asks How You Are

Nobody asks you how you are
Because you checked in
with your stories, you’re alive

And your skin is glowing
you must be fine
and that last post of yours
so dope, fire, kiss, and hearts

You smile a lot to be insane
You’re in good shape
Your limbs are moving
Can’t be your strength

Forget the validity
of your struggles
others have it worse
Go thank your god
even though it’s bad

Work meetings
Leisure travels
People judging
Razzle-dazzle

But nobody asks you how you are
when you barely managed
a phone call before you choked
When sleeping is a mystery to be solved

When you skipped brunch
to avoid socializing and traded
concert tickets for a quiet day at home

When you ran the shower
to hide your tears
and bedtime is an escape
that you hold dear

When you bought flowers
to brighten your day
napped for hours
to fly away

Nobody asks you how you are
Acquaintances, family, friends
Nobody asks how YOU are…
because you’re the strong one.

For anyone who’s ever had a mental breakdown, anxiety attack, or is simply emo AF or an empath, but knows how to or tends to fly under the radar: This poem is for you. I hear you, I see you, I feel you.

Take care of yourself. Do what you have to do to protect your state of mind and state of being because it’s not always in everyone else’s best interest.