from the outside
we looked untouchable
because money does that
it convinces people
nothing bad survives behind it
big house
good schools
a life that made adults nod approvingly
we were proof
that everything was fine
inside, money was the excuse
the shield
the thing everyone hid behind
every problem was handled quietly
with closed doors
careful wording
and reminders of how lucky we were
pain doesn’t translate
when your life looks expensive
how do you explain hurt
to people who only believe
what has a price tag
we were fed
well dressed
given opportunities
and expected to be grateful
instead of honest
money paid for comfort
but not care
paid for silence
and called it love
anytime it hurt
someone pointed at the house
like that should’ve fixed it
you have everything
and once that was decided
nothing else mattered