Pretence

If I place in front of you
all the broken pieces of me
like an inexplicable puzzle
would you even try
to put my fragments together ?

a yes would be an easy answer
for it would bring relief​
even in disbelief
but you can choose
to say no without a flinch
or just nothing at all
to escape the guilt
and I would still comprehend
the response through your silence
a skill which I discreetly learned
being in the company of those
who displayed an act of
perfect pretence
by creating an awkward calm
when my simple questions
would be received as
complex inquisitions
choking their throats
and clogging their mouths
for honest answers
demanded courage
which their virtuous selves
did barely possess

so you can tell me the truth
without feeling throttled
as a no wouldn’t mean
I would give up on you
for I can still put my pieces together
and still mend my broken self
the trick was only to see
if you would want to bear my pain
for to live with false assurances
can be very elevating at times
but I would always prefer the ground
than gliding on illusory skies.

-Chhaya