Laughter

Laughter
uncontrollable
almost unbearable
laughter

a laughter whose origin is unclear
but whose roots are deep

a laughter
that dissipates through
the shaking of limbs
the bending of the torso
the holding of sides
and the wide mouthed
gasps for air

laughter that
courses through the blood
and all attempts to stop are
thwarted by sudden eruptions
that ricochet off the walls
and rebound on your belly

you are not in control
but possessed by a wild demon
who will only cease when
every last ounce of bubbling joy
is released

then, then,
the deep sighs of
quiet satisfaction
and the warm glow
that soothes aching muscles

the room gently comes back into focus
and the world
like a patient servant waiting
for his master to finish
begs an audience once more