Laugh and The World Laughs With You

Within that cloak of sadness

you crawl and weep alone,

for all the souls who walk this earth

have problems of their own.

Too heavy is that burden

to share like broken bread,

too deep within your darkness,

to speak of fears you dread.

Yet sing a song of laughter

and watch the smiles ignite.

There's not a better tonic

to paint the future bright.

And though your heart is breaking,

your body hurt and aching,

you hold inside the power

to lift another's misery

and gift a glimpse of light.

Reviews

[Onlyme]

Exactly what most people who suffer from depression do. They put on that fake smile and jokey attitude towards others in everyday life. And pretend everything is good. Wonderful poem. That hits home the truth about the inner demons, that eats away at your heart and soul. But the show must go on to the world outside. And even to your loved ones all around.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dee for your lovely review. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[Pauline]

Oh this is so beautiful Chris and so true too. The rhyming of it just clinches it.

Pauline.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pauline. Hope all is good with you.

[Ken Simm.]

When I am at my worse. Actually in fact most mornings when i awake, I find a mirror and smile. It may be a forced thing poorly birthed but it helps.
This is wisdom in so many lovely words.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ken. I appreciate your thoughts. Pleased you enjoyed reading.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Splendid rhyming in this one. It also points out a psychological truth, which is that sometimes pretending can help one achieve the desired outcome. Seeing a positive effect in others is a reward in itself. Would you consider emailing a copy to Putin?

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks John. Putin lacks a heart. . The words would be lost on him.

Chris

[Melinda McQueen]

I adore this one. It speaks of a truth at the core of every human being.
Thanks for sharing this beaut.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Melinda for the encouragement. You are appreciated.

Chris

[M. J. Smith]

I try to live as this poem suggests. But where it is at its worst, those are the days when I prefer solitude. Too many say they care. But these are just words, an expected convention with no real empathy or concern. Still these are beautiful and hopeful words. words that need to to be a lifestyle for many more people.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you MJS. We all need a bit of solitude from time to time. Thank you fir sharing your thoughts.

Chris

[Relic]

That is one of the hardest things to do for another when your world is torn apart. I believe courage is what makes it possible. There will always be bad days and horrific days. How we display our character to others is what makes a difference to all involved. It's not easy, but if we try we can do it.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right, it's not easy, but the benefits can be felt by all. Thanks Tim.

Chris

[JE Falcon]

Oh, so true! What a wonderfully worded poem of encouragement, on so many levels.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your encouragement Falcon. It means alot.

Chris

[Patricia]

Excellent poetic advice Chris! Lovely :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear friend for your encouragement.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

You boldly proclaim the weight of depression we all carry and the lightness of hope and its power. Your truth is amazing. You poetry is humanity in essence.

[Chris Shaw]

I so appreciate your warm words and review Sami. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Chris.

[Richard M]

My dear friend, I haven't seen this poem until now. Thank you that I should see it today, as I am under that cloak of sadness. Thank you for the timely reminder, for lifting the veil. Need it in my Library. (((HUGS)))

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Richard, I hope your cloak of sadness lifts my friend. I so appreciate you stopping by. ❤️