Laughter (1988)

Laughter

I have called laughter many things,

a cure for rainy days,

And a reminder of my serious side,

which at times can be too somber.

I have not stood in a public square and stated my case--

a discourse on humor, a public treaty,

But if I did, I know that in the masses one person would cry out,

"YES, of course, we understand!"

And for this I must say thank you,

for without another witness to the human perspective,

my speech would be limited,

my reminders not absolute.

I have called laughter many things,

and so do we,

In the debate between tears and merriment,

I choose laughter in searching for comraderie.

(written  for my colleagues at South Shore Elder Services, Inc., Braintree, Mass., 1988)