'are you okay?'

Just simple three words
'are you okay'
could shatter my guard.

There was no one
who has asked.

It is sad
that no one bothered to ask
as much as it is something to be proud of
that I am seen as strong enough
that no one bothered to ask.

Every moment, in pretence.
Everyday conflicted.
Forever untold.

Please don't ask-
the wall took me years,
and my answers are practised.

Just stay,
and I will be okay.