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He walked in,

considerate,

a smile resting,

a nod—

then the line

that opens doors.

“Are you alright?”

I smiled back.

Someone was listening.

I started talking.

Blink… another blink.

He reached another block.

I could only see him

in the distance.

I was supposed to say,

“I’m fine.”

The most affordable lie.

Later,

I paid someone

by the hour

to listen.

First—

forms.

Boxes to tick,

asking how I feel

before I can speak.

I walked out

feeling misplaced.

I asked her,

why not talk in a garden?

These walls

are closing in on me.

She gave me water

in a plastic cup.

I used it

to end my thirst.

She said,

“We must keep things confidential.”

I wouldn’t mind

if bees and butterflies listened—

their humming sounds

more honest

than the silence

I’ve carried for ages.

Everywhere I go

feels like cages.

Sometimes

to understand life

you don’t need sages.

Life doesn’t jump out

from hedges.

Solace returns

when gratitude grows.

Anger was nothing

but an excuse

for my tongue.

Sometimes a heart

just wants

another heart.

If I’m not wrong.

Maybe I’ve slept too long

and need

the vibration of a gong.

I can be the umpire

if life plays ping pong.

Some people

only need one good song

to hear every day,

smile,

and not wait

for smiles in return.

Now it feels

like I’m back on track.

So if I ask you—

“Are you alright?”

I will make sure

to look back.