What do you do

When inside you're empty
When running feels tempting
When it feels like you can't win

When everything feels so mundane
Everyday is the same
Like a broken record is being played

On repeat
And all you feel is defeat
When you want to take a retreat

Back to simpler days

When you're smiling through gritted teeth
Though inside, just beneath
The surface
you're wondering why

Slowly slipping is your facade
While all you can do is smile && nod
As you murmur,

"I'm fine, how are you?"