what money can’t fix

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