How Are You?

For years

I have tiptoed over a sea of acid

With tears

Unseen, eyes closed beneath dry lashes

Thrown down

Now, bones melted, I am unable to rise

I drown

Tears still unseen, only adding to the lies

Do not

Ask, “How are you?” lest you wish to share the sting

It’s hot

I fume, I steam, I sink, losing everything