Don’t

Don’t ask me how I am,

I’ll just say I’m fine.

Despite the painful feelings

And the bottled up tears,

I’ll play it off,

Say I’m just great

And you yourself?

Don’t inquire after my wellbeing.

Don’t go to my family and ask them

How I’m doing.

They’ll tell you just the same.

They’ll tell you I’m good.

Do I look dumb?

Hell, I don’t tell them everything.

Don’t come round my house

Just because,

Thinking to pass the time of day,

I’m alright without your company.

In fact, I quite enjoy my own.

And I’d prefer the sound of silence

To incessant, pointless talk.

Don’t mistake my smile for simple mindedness.

I’m on to you and your games.

You check up

And feign concern

Just to find out my doings

So you can share them

With your pose down the road

And make like you’re in the know.

Don’t think I need a sitter,

Don’t assume that my sitting

In a quite corner

Means I’m sad.

Keep to your side.

Mind your friends,

Your family,

Your dog,

And let me be.

See I see just where you’re going

With your gift basket

Laden with tempting goodies.

I know your mind

You sly old crocodile.

Keep your grinning comradery

Cause you ain’t no friend of mine.

So, thank you for your offer,

Very generous and ever so kind;

But whatever you’re selling

I ain’t buying.

Better luck next time.