How am I doing? (a poem)

I’m still oscillating
between hope
and despair.

The world
and life
both are so uncertain
that I don’t know
what fresh hell will present itself
in a given hour
on a given day.

I must act accordingly
but according to “what”
I don’t know.

“What”
keeps changing
hour to hour.

The only thing I know for sure
is who the enemy is.

If only the rules
would stop changing.

If only we could stop the lies
with our words.

If only truth mattered
in this new world
of deception
and disregard.

So…
how am I doing?

I’m holding the pieces of me together
as best I can.
But I only have two hands
and I can’t reach
what has already fallen
without losing more of me.

so…
I had to leave
the lost pieces
behind.

I apologize,
It’s become apparent
from your body language
and the slight
but noticeable glaze
over your eyes

that you didn’t
really
want to know.

I’m fine…
ummm…

I’m doing well, actually.

…and you?

~ elr