Meaningless words and
empty expressions
during personal interactions,
they are the
social equivalent of
“The check is in the mail.”
Flippant lies blanket
the human landscape
with the acceptable
mirage of empathy:

“How are you?”
“How’s it going?”
“How are you doing?”
Nobody cares except
when it makes them
feel better about themselves.
“We must stay in touch”
“I’ll give a call.”
“Let’s get together soon.”
Only if it benefits them
will you hear anytime soon.

So next time
people offer
“Let us know if
you need anything,”
tell them you’d like
help with the rent,
or your bills,
or a job.

They’ll check the time
and say they are
running very late,
when they are really
running on empty.