Line Gauthier Poet Free verse

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Really, How Are You

Really, How Are You?
The words took my breath away.

How long had it been
since anyone really cared?
Cared enough to ask.
Cared enough to mean it.

--How are you?
Three little words, harmless
meaningless without the pause.

There it was --
that pause awaiting the truth of an answer
and all at once, in my one gasp
so many telltale signs to rescue 
at lightning speed threatening a betrayal -- 
my eyes, my mouth, my breath, my silence!

--How was I?
How, for so long, I had managed to avoid 
asking that very question.
Truth was I didn’t want to know.
Content with carrying on, carrying on
with no analysis, no introspection.

My eyes welled, my throat tightened.
--How was I?
It was easier when no one cared and no one asked.
Now I’d have to let the dust settle…
and hope no one asks again.



AP: 3rd place 2022

Submitted on February 8, 2022 for contest PICK A TITLE sponsored by EDWARD IBEH  -  RANKED 2ND

and on October 11, 2025 for contest 2025 Poetry Marathon Mile 21 sponsored by MARK TONEY  -  RANKED 3RD

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Susan Ashley October 18, 2025 at 8:30 PM Dear Line, your poem bares its soul with such profound poetic expression. A broken heart beats just below the surface where the dust settles.. a truly moving introspection. Congratulations for your success in Mark’s contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Line Gauthier October 20, 2025 at 8:44 PM Thank you very much for your most appreciated visit and comment, Susan ~ have a lovely day

CayCay Godwin October 17, 2025 at 11:17 AM A wow of a poem, the emotion, it's fragile and poignant, also very relatable. Congrats on your placement in the contest. Line Gauthier October 17, 2025 at 9:17 PM Thank you very much, CayCay ~ most appreciated

Gary Radice October 16, 2025 at 6:21 AM Beautifully written and recited, poignant and above all oh so very real Line. Cheers -Gary Line Gauthier October 16, 2025 at 9:54 PM Thanks for the much appreciated visit and comment, Gary ~

Mark Toney October 15, 2025 at 9:07 PM Line, I love how your simple question reveals a lifetime of suppressed emotion, as you shift from outward observation to inward confession. Your last two lines are brilliant. Congratulations on your third place win on Mile 21 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 22 has already started. Line Gauthier October 16, 2025 at 12:09 AM Thank you so much, Mark ~ most appreciated

Ann Peck February 13, 2022 at 9:04 AM Dear Line, Such a beautifull, sad poem you wrote. I'm sorry that you suffered loss. Sometimes, I think, it helps to talk with a friend...but we each know ourselves best. I wish you happiness. Oh, and congratulations on First Place :) Line Gauthier February 13, 2022 at 10:38 AM Thank you for your lovely visit and comment, Ann. Most appreciated ~

Edward Ibeh February 13, 2022 at 6:51 AM Heartiest congratulations on your win in my contest, Line:-) It's a pleasant surprise to see your entry after a long while. I encourage you to join my next contest as well. What a captivating, morose, introspective poem. I really loved it! Line Gauthier February 13, 2022 at 10:38 AM Thank you, Edward. It's true that I have been writing less but keep very busy with other poetry-related ventures. Thank you very much for the honor of a sin in your contest.

Timothy Mcguire February 8, 2022 at 11:08 PM Great poem Miss Line, thought provoking. As for me when I ask I deeply care. I lost a love one to suicide I wish I had asked him one more time. Line Gauthier February 9, 2022 at 9:55 AM This poem doesn't say it all either ~ one has to put themselves out there and not be passive. Waiting is not the answer ~ people want to help, one needs to at least leave the door open at least a crack.

Geoffrey Brewer February 8, 2022 at 2:12 PM This is a remarkably effective and penetrating observation of personal introspection prompted by that simple question. Beautifully constructed and worded, Line; though I suspected that your creativity has taken the subject beyond your own individual experience. Line Gauthier February 9, 2022 at 9:57 AM You are quite correct, Geoffrey. Poetic license allows us to focus on one aspect dismissing all others and thereby distorting perspective for impact ~ thanks for your much appreciated comment.

Sam Kauffman February 8, 2022 at 10:31 AM Line, your words bring us so close to your grieving heart and its struggle to find closure through a process. There is a plaintive cry spoken through your honesty. Best wishes for the contest. Thank you for sharing this deep part of you. Blessings. Line Gauthier February 8, 2022 at 11:10 AM Thanks for your most appreciated visit and comment, Sam ~ I'm not at all suggesting that no one cares but a sincere 'how are you?' does take one by surprise ~