all is well

he was so used to pretending
that he was happy,
that all was well,
that sometimes he actually
felt that way.
life had that new car
smell.
that sweet shine of just
purchased.
it was hard to keep up
though.
the air eventually came
out of the tires. there were
door dings,
a crack in the windshield
where he hit
a black bird
carrying a worm to its nest.
he could only smile, part
time now.
when out and about.
he couldn't wait to get home
to let it end.
to let the face frown,
cut a lemon with which
to suck on,
and keep it that way.