I Will Pretend Poem by EZEKIEL HARUNA DANBAKI

No no, I will pretend
I will pretend through all this
I will pretend others are the weak ones
Others are the troubled ones, the ugly ones, the bad ones
I don't need a doctor
I'm the rare exception
Strong, brave, indomitable
I don't need a preacher to lie me about a paradise of milk and honey
I'm fine eating these nuts
I will pretend I understand
The sun is black
The sky isn't blue or gray or red or burnt or... There is no sky over my head!
I'm fine
I don't want no roses near my nose
I will pretend
I don't hurt
I don't hate that I've to pretend
I'm my own company- alone, am better
I don't need chatty friends
Wags who talk and laugh and pat on the shoulders
When they come into the room
I will put on a quick smile
I will mop my face and pretend I never cried
Maybe I will stop dying inside
If I pretend I live