This is how I feel. This is how I smile. C 2025 Mark Greenberg

You got a lotta nerve to smile at me that way. You think it’s some kinda joke? You asked What’s new?—and when I told ya….

You just nod your head, look up at the sky Shuffle your feet—won’t look me in the eye There’s that faraway look like I’m not even here Then you crack a smile—man, you’re so weird Here I’m all broke up—I shouldn’t of even told ya But when you asked, I thought I’d cry on your shoulder I’m walking around with a soul full of sorrow Don’t know if I can even make it to tomorrow And then you ask What’s new? And I’m broke up inside I never should of told you that my dog just died Where’s your sympathy? Can’t you see how I’m feeling? You give a dumbass smile—you’re no decent human being!

Hey, I’m so sorry—I apologize For the smile I flashed and the look in my eyes This is not the first time that I’ve been hassled When I come across as a first-class asshole My social skills are, let’s say, divergent So many think I’m an uncaring person People tell me sad news and I should sympathize But they’re turned away by my far-away eyes Then you tell me bad news and I seem unkind But let me tell you what went through my mind I had a dog, too. He was my best friend And I loved him dearly to the very end You won’t believe how much I cried That awful day my dear dog died But these days I remember our love together And those memories make me feel better So please forgive me for my response To your sadness for your loss Hey, maybe someday when you think of him Instead of tears he’ll bring a grin Sorry—sometimes I seem col outside But inside I have my reason to smile