“LIVE LIFE LOVE”

This is a spit in the face of toxic optimism.
The figure smiles like someone forced them to,
eyes blacked out — so they don’t have to see the world.
One hand holds a mug with a cliché about happiness,
the other is busy quietly destroying itself.

This piece is about being told to “stay positive”
when in reality we’re tired, angry,
and just want to scream out loud.

It’s the portrait of a person dancing on the edge of a breakdown,
laughing at their own madness.
Laugh with them. Or look away.