MEDITATIVE: "HAPPIEST OF ALL..." BY SULAIMON KHALID

If not that we

are lovers of masks;

beautiful ones

that hide tears beneath shells,

that make scars shine like stars,

and cover pain with roses,

we, the happiest among us,

are the saddest of all.

if not that we

are always too weary

or too proud

to let tears ruin the face;

what's tears that's scarce to shed?

what's a wet face that we can't wear?

If not that we

have taught our hearts

the language of silence

the streets

would have become graveyards

by grief that have taken over air

and tears that would have flooded.

We smile,

not because we've found joy

we wear masks,

not because they're light,

but for our eyes

have forgotten how to rain,

even as our hearts sit in pain.

Some of us,

the happiest of us

smile only in the meeting of heads,

and return to we when alone.

we dance in the daylight with joy

only to collapse at night

as the saddest of all.

So, do not mistake

every "I'm fine" for being fine

some wound have simply learned

to hide their bleeding 

some tears have learned

to stay in the eyes

some pains are introverts;

they choose to live only in the heart.

© Sulaimon Khalid

- Nigeria.

The poem "Happiest of All" by Sulaimon Khalid explores the hidden emotional struggles that many people carry behind cheerful appearances. It suggests that those who seem the happiest are often the ones enduring the deepest pain, choosing to conceal their suffering behind smiles and emotional "masks." Through powerful imagery and repetition, the poet reveals how people suppress tears, remain silent about their wounds, and continue living as though everything is fine.

The poem encourages readers not to judge others by their outward expressions, reminding them that many battles are fought in silence. Ultimately, it is a call for empathy, compassion, and understanding, as not every smile reflects true happiness, and not every "I'm fine" means a person is truly okay.