The Art Of Pretending

I don’t feel free, but I’ll pretend to be,

I’ll walk like the wind with nothing to keep,

I’ll breathe in deep, let my shoulders fall,

Hold my head high as if I have it all.

I don’t feel excitement or joy today,

But I’ll laugh like sunshine breaking grey,

I’ll dance to a song no one else can hear,

Smile as if my heart holds nothing but cheer.

I don’t feel useful, don’t feel I belong,

But I’ll wake each day and hum a song,

I’ll move with purpose, step by step,

As if my dreams are fully met.

I don’t feel loved the way I should,

Respected, cherished, understood,

But I’ll close my eyes and hold myself tight,

Whisper "You are enough" into the night.

I’m not living my best life, not just yet,

But I’ll make believe, I won’t forget,

That every act, no matter how small,

Can shape a life that feels like it’s full.

And maybe, just maybe, this act of 'pretend',

Will soften the edges I can’t seem to mend,

And one day the lie will start to feel true,

As I become the me I once only knew.