Facade

Laugh. Not at a joke or a quip, but to hide the cut. If I'm assaulted I laugh. Show it doesn't hurt and maybe they'll think I'm stronger or they'll stop. Pretend as though I've heard better or that I'm not phased. I even ask for more and of greater strength. I sometimes give advice. But when it's someone close, those assaults can cut in deep. Maybe I deserve it. I'm usually wrong when it comes to relationships anyway, no matter the kind.

But who cares, right? I'm strong, right? I'm hard, right? I'm a real man, right? I'm happy, right? ... Right?..