dadaoluwafemi01

 THE ART OF PRETENDING I dress my fear in something beautiful  So the people can believe it. My smile is a mask of deceit If pretending were an art , I'd be a masterpiece . I wake up every day to perform a role  I never auditioned for... I mastered the language of "I'm fine" When I am nowhere near happy Those acts were only a disguise So they never question me. If you smile too much Questions will be asked. If you are sad and moody  Questions will be asked too. So what should I do? So I balance both,  to keep them off guard. At times I pretend to be happy Not to get attention But to navigate the sadness  I perform happiness like a daily ritual Yet no one understands the price I pay. No one hears the silence behind my laughter Even my shadow doubts me. A day will come I won’t pretend My smile won’t be rehearsed My laughter won’t be borrowed And for once— I will exist Without permission. ©DADA OLUWAFEMI 2026.