Everything's Fine, Except... Poem by Leslie Ching

Conversation With a Neighbour:
Hi, Mr. Myers.
I'm doing great, thanks. What about you?
Oh, that's good to know.
Yeah, I've been busy at school, but it's not too much to handle.
I know, the weather's been terrible, eh?
You need something? Sure, what is it?
I'll fetch it as soon as I can, you're always welcome.
Yes, I'm sure it'll be no problem.
Well, I'll leave you to your work then.
Always a pleasure talking to you.

Translation:
Hi, Mr. Myers.
I'm doing pretty badly-I've gotten a rather nasty cold and my nose is
still running. What about you?
Well, good for you, but that's not going to help me get better, is it?
Yeah, I've got a math test and a 5-page essay due tomorrow, and a
science project on Monday that I've barely started.
You can't imagine how heavy the workload pressure is.
The weather's bad, so what? Just deal with it.
No, I don't have the time to do any of your dinky little favours.
A problem always arises when I try to do something for you.
Well, I'll leave you to your work then.
Never a pleasure talking to you.
(12/25/08)