I Am Fine by Somtochukwu Sandra (21, Nigeria)

The thoughts in my head danced to the walkabout beats
Marching and stomping as my head throbbed
I tried not to think, to keep the memories away
I tried not to blink, to keep the tears in
Then he tapped me and asked, "How are you?"
The pain I had stomached all these years
Tore right through my gut
The excruciating sting traveled down my spine as reality hit me hard
But with a deep breath, I swept it all in
My facade built up its defence walls in an instant
"I'm fine."

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