Laughter

 ‘laughter’ Trgates,7/17/2025

laughing often is just that. 
sometimes it’s an allowance for tears. 
one Ancient mystic offered, “it’s demonic.”
St. Benedict whispered (yes, a Monk),
“a sad monk is just a sad monk.”
it’s happened with such force
water flowed from my eyes —
well where else would you want this?
driving home after a plug pulling
a storm of mixed bawling and laughter erupted coming from nowhere —
well perhaps like fault lines awaiting, “hello.”
Mother liked to say,
“never laugh at people, only laugh with them.”
problem, could be a long wait,
why not laugh at them and they’ll catch up. 
or don’t. 
my grandchildren look into my eyes and see. 
“Papa I don’t like it when you cry,”
there were no tears. 
“Papa you’re silly,”
there was nothing unique happening. 
seeing has no need for closure,
perception only walks by itself. 
laughing often is just that. 
sometimes it’s anticipation for “next.”