on the surface, water may appear placid without a flow
but mother has always taught me to mind the undertow

you say you're just quiet and actually prefer to sit alone
you avoid conversation by pretending to check your phone
i recognize these habits, as we can smell our own

no matter how you try to explain yourself. I just get the impression
that you are actually silently suffering from severe depression

i watch as you laugh and smile and then begin to clench your teeth
when you're ready. won't you let me know what's going on underneath