Play Pretend (Poem)

There is a very fine line
Between friends & enemies
You crushed it into
N-o-t-h-i-n-g.
All that's left are forced laughter and painted smiles, Oscar worthy acting and just
a
little
bit
of
sadness.

I'm good at distancing myself from people.
They annoy, they judge, but most of all, they scare me
Hiding their lies, their selfishness, their ignorance,
In empty words like 'best friend' or 'I love you'.

Masking their imperfections,
With a smile
As bright as a falling star,
When it lies buried in the earth.

'You aren't perfect either,' an inner voice reminds gently.
'I know,' I whisper. 'And I don't wish to play pretend any longer.'

But my inner voice was right
I lied.