why do we laugh sometimes
when we don't mean to
and say words
that we immediately wish
hadn't spilled
from our lips?

why do we smile
when we really needn't
and why are we kind
to the people
who must be the most
unkind?

why do we pretend
everything is okay
when it's not
and try to ignite
our shadows
before they consume
someone else's light
just as important
as our own

why do we agree
when our soul screams at us
to stop
and keep silent
when we should be
the loudest?

why do we keep letting
honesty
be the lie
we avoid