How are you?

"How are you?"

Not hard to say.

Not hard to lie to.

When Joanne demanded it I lied.

When my mother wheezed it I lied.

When my friend asked I lied.

"I'm fine."

I'm not fine.

But they believe.

I lead them in.

I feed them lies.

They feel better.

And I ask them:

"How are you?"

And they lie.