we do so much to pretend
we are okay,
even just for a passing moment.
we cry until we can't anymore,
wash our faces, and continue
with fake smiles badly pasted
to our faces.
we press our souls to one another's,
letting them break us,
and pretend we're surprised.
the scars remain,
so we cover them up with makeup
and pretend they don't throb
when others touch them.
we plant flowers on graves,
and send "thoughts and prayers"
in the wake of complete devastation
as though that'll make everything
better.
it won't, but perhaps
it will make the ruins beautiful;

appearances are all that matter anyways.