Things to Say Instead of 'I'm fine'

 

On the street, passing villagers ask

"how are you?" and the expected response

is 'Fine, thanks,' even if one is hobbling,

and the other already walking away

before I can ask them the same.

For how is there time, as we're

rushing off to our various errands, to say,

(though sometimes I try): "It is so beautiful

today, it makes my heart sing" or "when

I saw the eagle fly across the harbour,

my heart flew along with him, for just

a little way."

We generally have an unspoken agreement

not to mention trump, covid, or the climate crisis,

the intense heat, the horrifying floods,

the wildfires, the climate refugees already

on the move, though leaders stay tight-lipped

about the state of things, as if the world

were not crumbling and sliding into the sea.

Wouldn't they be shocked
if I stopped right there

on the sidewalk, and said: All my life

I've loved people who never felt loved enough.

I gave all that I had, though it seems to be

forgotten, suffered many losses,

yet stayed grateful for the beauty

all around me, and the gifts that I've

been given. From where I was to

where I am now was an amazing journey,

for which I'm thankful, and I'm tired now,
my quiet heart at peace.

But "Fine, thanks," I say, smiling,

which is likely a relief
to those who ask.

Inspired by List of Things to Say Instead of I'm Fine by Marlin M. Jenkins.