Hiding Behind the Smiles

Good morning how are you?

Oh, just fine.
Why am I saying that I am just fine when deep down inside I want to cry?
Why am I saying just fine when I was just told that I have stage three cancer?
Why am I saying that all is well, when I know my house is going in foreclosure today?

Good morning how are you?

Oh, I am making it.
Making it to where, my next job interview.
Making it all up because I am too ashamed to tell someone that my marriage is breaking up.
Making it or barely making it because I am trying to take care of me, my mom, and my sick child for whom there is no cure.

Good morning how are you?

I'm alright.  Glad you asked.
You wouldn't believe me, if I told you how I was doing this day.
Glad you couldn't see behind my dark shades.
Glad to get this over with, now I can get on with my day.

Good morning how are you?

Girl, you don't want to know.
Hurting inside and ashame of my feelings
I should be happy with all the things I got.
Yet inside, I am so unhappy, but I keep on smiling.

Good morning how are you?

Now, you've done it.
You asked me how I am doing.
Well, I am smiling to keep from crying.
That seems to be all that I can do.

Good morning how are you doing?

No, girl, good morning how are you doing?
I bet you are just smiling because inside you are crying too.
Everybody knows that your marriage is on the rock.
Oh yeah, we can see the real truth behind your smile.

Good morning how are you doing?

The five words we respond to almost every day.
Always responding positively with the same old clichés.
When deep inside we we are hurting in so many ways.
Isn't it funny how we all play this game?

While hiding behind the smile!