The Lie

I cannot say the words

Tumbling through my mind

You ask again

My answer is the same

"No, there's nothing wrong."

I do not look up

My gaze avoids your searching eyes

"No," I repeat, "I'm fine."

I stare at my feet

Unable to meet your eyes

As I tell the lie again

For the third and final time.

I don't think I could say it again

Not with all these

Contradictory words in my mind

I could not tell the lie again

Please, ask me one more time.