Fake Smile

You want to reassure yourself,
I want to reassure you too,
So we’re both complicit
In the smile I fake for you.
I know all the mechanics
Of just how a smile looks;
I’ve seen it on the internet,
Read about it in some books.
It feels all wrong upon my face
Like someone forced it there
But once you see my smile
You pass straight by without a care.
I’m quite relieved, I couldn’t manage
‘How are you’s today.
I know you know I’m faking,
But we’re both content this way.

Today’s prompt is to write a poem which explores how it feels to put a brave face on things