Today I smile, which is one of many lies

I boast of strength, resolve, and pride in myself…all of which I do not currently feel.

Breathing is strained…my body pushed past exhaustion.

My voice a lifeless recording rattling off lines that are perfectly crafted to fulfill their purpose of deceit

Limbs creak in their protest to keep step with a dance born from music long since forgotten

I am, what is to be expected…nothing more, yet far less than I had imagined for myself once upon a time

Today I smile, because if I let it fall away so too would the illusion crumble

And that is all I have left