I pretend that I am happy
When I'm all but sad
Pretend I'm in a good mood
When that's clearly not in my head

I pretend that I am caring
When selfishness fills my plate
When mostly thin I'm wearing
I pretend I have all day

I pretend that I am having
The very best of times
I pretend to think of others
But I can't spare the dime

I often say that I'm okay
When I may not be
As I pretend to be all these things
But maybe that's just me

I pretend to be concerned
When I'm really not
If patience is a virtue
I pretend even that

Whatever it is I'm not into
That's when I pretend
And if it goes over well enough
Why not pretend it again

Sometimes I do get confused
Is this real or just pretending
I guess that all depends
Which one has the happy ending