happy.

such a pitiful word.

happy birthday!
you try to grin,
but no one showed.
you are ashamed.

and then your mother sings

                    alone.

your chin quivers,
your eyes water,
but you won’t cry
and break her heart.

she’s trying so hard. So,
you fake a smile
open presents
give her a hug

and then pretend
to be happy.

sad little thing,
you should not know
what it feels like

to be
lonely.