I'm fine

I know a lot of people have said this but this poem is so relatable and the fact lots of people have said that shows you really struck a chord here. I feel like you showed well the fact that we over use the phrase “I’m fine” way too much

Hey !! I really liked your poem, this made me think of us.
of all the times we say "I'm fine"
when we really aren't.
i just wanted you to know i see you.
for real.

I really liked this poem because it captures a feeling that a lot of people can relate to but often struggle to put into words. The repetition of “I’m fine” is especially effective because it shows how a simple phrase can become a shield, hiding what someone is really feeling. As the poem goes on, those repeated words become more emotional, making the reader realize just how much is left unsaid.

One of the strongest parts of the poem is how honest and natural it feels. The speaker doesn’t exaggerate their emotions or try to make them sound dramatic. Instead, the poem focuses on quiet moments—forcing a smile, pulling away for a few days, listening to other people’s problems while keeping your own hidden. Those small details make the emotions feel genuine and easy to connect with. The line about wanting someone to ask “Are you okay?” because they noticed, rather than because they were told to, is especially powerful and shows the desire to be understood without having to ask for help.

I also think the structure works really well. The short lines and pauses slow the reader down, giving each thought room to sink in. It almost feels like reading someone's inner thoughts, which makes the poem even more personal. The ending is particularly memorable because it leaves the reader thinking about how easy it is to hide behind the words “I’m fine” for so long that they begin to lose touch with how they actually feel.

Overall, this is a thoughtful and emotionally moving poem. It explores loneliness, vulnerability, and the fear of becoming a burden in a way that feels authentic rather than forced. It’s the kind of poem that encourages readers to look a little more closely at the people around them and reminds us that sometimes the simplest words can hide the deepest emotions.

Hello! You've got a really hard-hitting and emotional poem here that I'd love to leave a review on!

The topic of this poem is one rooted in deep emotions, an emotion that feels isolating yet is still universal (as previous reviews stated). Sometimes, it's difficult to properly place words to such an emotion, yet you do a great job of pin-pointing exactly the meaning and problems behind the false statement of, "I'm fine." You do this well through the repetition of "I'm fine" and the internal monologue lines that follow, all the way to the end.

I also want to comment on the structure of this poem. The short lines give a quick tempo to the poem, a sense of urgency. My interpretation of this is that the lines are this tempo in an attempt from the narrator to just hurry up. It gives a sense of "I'm fine, now just leave me alone" even though we read within the lines themselves that they don't want to be alone. So it creates a juxtaposition that feels complimentary rather than confusing or awkward.

It's a strange thing—
wanting to be seen,
while doing everything
to stay invisible.

The poem captures the universal, weary isolation of masking emotional fatigue. Lines like "It's a strange thing— / wanting to be seen, / while doing everything / to stay invisible" hit with a sharp, relatable clarity. snowrider

This is honestly really good. A lot of people don't understand that feeling, but some understand it all to well. This is not only a great message, but a very well-written work.

This genuinely is something I can relate to. Having that feeling like I'm being a burden to people, or I'm being bothersome. Sometimes I feel like when I try and tell them my troubles, it feels like I'm trying to seek sympathy from them even when I'm not. Or if I post it on social media it can feel like I'm trying to be an attention seeker, even when it's the truth and I'm just trying to share my sorrows. Very relatable read overall, and I enjoyed reading it.

Oof, this is a heavy-hitting poem. It's one I can definitely relate to. It's a very relatable topic, and you handle it well, highlighting the paradox of wanting connection while also actively building walls to prevent yourself from burdening others.

The line breaks and repetition work very well both visually and rhythmically.

One thing you could improve upon is that I think your best lines are the ones with concrete details, like the line about a smile coming 'a second too late.' Some of the other lines feel a little bit more like a diary entry where you are explaining thoughts and feelings, such as 'don't want to feel like another weight on someone's shoulders' - I wonder if there is a way you could evoke that feeling without telling it? Only a minor thing, otherwise, a very nice poem <3

I think many people can relate to this poem. "I'm fine" might really be the default response from people who are struggling but don't want to talk about their troubles with others. It can be difficult to tell others that you need help if they also seem to need help as well. If we could all notice how others are truly feeling even when they don't verbally express their emotions, the world might be a better place. I believe that creative works are a good way for people to express themselves while not having to worry about any problems that might arise during an in-person conversation with someone else. Still, it is healthy to talk about one's inner turmoil with a trustworthy individual or professional if possible. This is a good poem!