would you rather?

on laughter

You’ve gotten so mature—it’s a shame you no longer laugh.

All your opinions are so well formed—you have no questions or friends to ask.

You’ve hiked up an impressive trail—with no memory of the view.

Some say you never fail—doesn’t seem like that’s the truth.

If you spent your whole life studying laughter, you might end up knowing less about it than when you began.

Knowledge puffs you all the way up, deflating joy to keep room for “important plans.”

It’s supposed to be fun. This whole thing!

(Not all the time and not always in the feeling.)

But even in war zones, some wounds need laughter more than bandages for healing.

Your laughter has been your song since the beginning.

The tune that came without a teacher.

The song that traded wings for work boots,

Until you eventually forgot how to reach her.

You have all the followers, all the fame, all the beauty, none of the shame.

You’ve seen your wealth double and your troubles cut in half.

I don’t think it was a worthwhile trade,

Since the cost was your laugh.

—JG