I AM FINE

How are you? You ask politely;
I am fine, I reply politely.
How are you is only a polite question
Because you really don't want to know
About the things that keep me awake
When the world snores in sleep.
You would not want to know
That behind this smiling mask
Is a tear stained face.
You'd be embarassed if I told you
That this trouser is my only pair;
That my son has been home for months
Because I can't afford school fees
You'd be embarassed to know
That my wife is due in December
And that the Christmas baby
Will have no Christmas clothes.
When you ask me- How are you?
Do you really want to know
That I was laid off last week?
That my rent's due in two weeks;
And I've switched off my phone
Because the landlord will call?
Do you really want to know
That my baby cries in his sleep
Because he didnt have enough to eat?
So please don't ask me how are you
Except you really want to know.
But if you ask me politely
Then I'll tell you, politely
I am fine, thank you... with a smile.