Published August 5, 2026
It’s not like I have nothing to say.
I say,
"I'm fine."
Not because I don't trust you.
I say,
"I'm fine,"
because I don't want to feel
like another weight
on someone's shoulders.
So I say it
again
and again.
Sometimes,
I wish someone would notice
the way my smile arrives
a second too late.
The way I go quiet.
The way I distance for few days.
The way I'm here,
but not really.
I wish someone would ask,
"Are you okay?"
Not because I asked them to—
but because they noticed.
Then I stop myself.
Everyone is carrying something.
My friends tell me about their bad days,
and I listen.
So who am I
to hand them mine?
Maybe if I spoke,
it would sound like
I'm asking for sympathy.
Maybe I'd look
like an attention seeker.
So I swallow another sentence
and replace it with,
"I'm fine."
It's a strange thing—
wanting to be seen,
while doing everything
to stay invisible.
And I wonder
how long a person can keep saying
"I'm fine"
before they start believing it,
or forgetting
what the truth
ever sounded like.
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137,061 Literary Works • 671,927 Reviews
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!