False Appreciation

Unwrapped the gift, a forced grin wide,

crumpling the paper, concealing inside.

With each layer peeled, a heavy weight lies,

a token of care, but truth holds its ties.

Garish hues dance, like laughter on strings,

a gift meant for joy, yet burden it brings.

Pretend that I love it, a performance to keep,

while inside I’m sighing, secrets to seep.