A Coward's Lie

How am I?

I doubt it is honesty you seek
Even if I were to paint a lucid picture of my sorrows
Your feigned attempts at sincerity would set it aflame

twisted smirks, exasperated whines
helpless hands straining to lift air
distraction, deception, diversion
a glimpse of your back with the whiff of discomfort
silence to smother desperate cries
because pity is a coward’s favor
an act of charity without the inconvenience

I play my part in your perpetual masquerade
Pitying your stubbornness in return
Spitting a coward’s lie I know you’ll accept

I’m great! Never better! And you?