Melting In Laughter

I have a gift all wrapped up in words
~packaged in perception
~presented with precision
I share my gift with those rarely heard
I give a gift often without words

I learned my gift can change challenged lives
~proficient in practice
~perfect in passion
I teach my gift to people who strive
I know the gift will change many lives

I make my gift to relieve tension
~prepared in patience
~practical and persistent
I take my gift to give a lesson
I work my gift to ease my tension

I lift my gift to help it open
~positive as possible
~painting the poignant
I shift my gift pulling love in when
I touch my gift and closed minds open

I have a gift and it is laughter
~popping like popcorn
~pumping with pleasure
I wish my gift to be a wonder
I give unconditional laughter!

2022

Author's Note

When I start to write the first stanza of a poem and decide the rest has to match it I worry I can't pull it off. Especially when I'm folding such a big idea into this little present. It was interesting how much this poem changed when I did the final write and added and subtracted a few words to perfect my syllable counts.

I just started working with a new client. The day after my friend died as a matter of fact. I needed the distraction. The new client has cerebral palsy and profound intellectual disabilities. A few years ago I would have been terrified of her. How do I change my communication? How do I find progress. How do I know the unknown that can't be shared? With my recent experience I have learned that that starts by finding someone's happy. Then the work can happen. In a few short weeks I have changed this girl's life. Engineering a way for her to do tasks completely on her own for the first time. And finding a happy that I need just as much. More than anyone I've worked with her laugh is infectious. We end up in this belly laugh so good for our hearts and minds. And we can't even talk to each other but the language is there. And it melts our tension. I have a contract with the state and try to teach this in my presentation. It is a wonder filling thing when it happens. That is what this poem....and life is about!

Reviews

[Writergurl]

I lift my gift to help it open
~positive as possible
~painting the poignant
I shift my gift pulling love in when
I touch my gift and closed minds open

LOVED this part so much, I love the word play in your poetry,
this is well crafted and brilliant

[William Michael Reeves]

Thank you. Put a lot of thought into it and nice to hear it hits people in the right spot.

[KAREN]

I loved this. If only we could all give the gift of laughter.
I have a gift and it is laughter
~popping like popcorn
~pumping with pleasure
I wish my gift to be a wonder
I give unconditional laughter!
This was so fun to read and written well!

[William Michael Reeves]

Thanks. I might call this 'getting my Geisel on'. That sing song thing Dr Seuss does and wordplay gets me all warm and fuzzy. Billigami likes taking the big ideas in this and condensing words to their smallest common denominator. Glad you liked it Karen. Thanks

[KAREN]

My pleasure!

[Crowley]

Its wonderful that you were able to make contact in a meaningful way, I think that is as important as anything especially for people who have interactions with frightened people as you describe as due course. That desire to communicate definitely gets my highest respect. As for the writing, perfectly placed with the "P" lines adding a rhythm and punch that makes the writing vital and totally consumable. The subject matter is one we can do with more of these days. Bravo and keep doing what you do, in writing and in touching other human lives.

[Relic]

Laughter certainly is the best medicine. I used to read so much horror and news. I had to stop because I was beginning to get depressed. You make great points in this and you've written a great author's note. :)

[William Michael Reeves]

I try not to feel about the news. Getting harder and harder. Thanks for mentioning my notes. I feel like they are an important part of the poetry. Explain the inspiration, but try not to overexplain the poem. Thanks Relic.

[Neville]

... It generally takes the reading of many more than just three poems by a single poet before I begin to notice a growing respect for a particular individual and their work .. so far, I have visited three of yours to date and have a funny feeling ......................... I may yet have to read another .. Neville :)

[William Michael Reeves]

I swear I replied to you last week on this. Must not have taken. I noticed the site is really jumpy. On my phone anyways. I remember writing about the roller coaster of emotion and subject you will ride if you read me more. Thanks Neville. Trying to get back around...

[poetgurl]

sometimes we will never know how someone is really doing, we all say we are fine, when deep inside we are hurting, I like what you have said, quite intriguing....

[William Michael Reeves]

Or at least have hurt. Hopefully not hurting all the time. Hard to hurt in laughter till it really starts to hurt. That's when we melt. Thank you Difficulty

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

This is magificent. As poets our poems not only let us realize our feelings but hopefully it connects with others so they know they are not alone in however they are feeling.

[William Michael Reeves]

Exactly! I have been overwhelmed by the intensity of the experience that is so positive writing about it lets the pressure off. And hope to make others think about the energy they pop.

[Robert Trakofler]

Years ago I worked in residential and did some TSS in behavioral in the MH/MR field. I loved working with the "consumers" that's what the PC lingo was back then (I thought it made them sound like cattle) I had one or two nonverbal folks that I worked with and it was always so hard to figure out their MO but one thing I did learn was the power of laughter could break thru so much defense over time I so very much agree with you

[William Michael Reeves]

Amazing the connections we have in similar facets of our lives. In my 42 years as a C.N.A. The euphemisms get tiring in societies attempts at P.C. And most are happy with what they are. Clients. It's professional and inclusive. Good enough for us.

[Zoe Richardson]

Sometimes we forget laughter. How healing it is, how it is a medicine in and of itself. Thank you for reminding us with your words that those who make others laugh have a rare talent, as rare and as precious as poetry!

[William Michael Reeves]

Well put! Now I put you on my list to put your words in my brain. Thanks Zoe.

Bill

[Patricia]

And that is a wonderful gift! I prize laughter, a sense of humor as the most attractive personality trait. I spent much of my life without it and now it fills my days and I seek it out in others. It has healed me and it’s a blessing that you have it and share it. Wonderful write ;)

[William Michael Reeves]

And you made me laugh with your haiku. Right back and forth at you.