It is better to have the upper hand by…
Pretending I’m not scared, when I am.
Pretending I’m unaffected, when I am.
Pretending It doesn’t hurt, when it does.
Pretending it doesn’t matter, when it does.
Pretending nothing irks me, when annoyed.
Pretending nothing bothers, when bothered.
Pretending I am cool, when I am on fire.
Believing my pretence doesn’t make me a liar.
And then letting it go before I get mired.