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.

[barleygirl]

Absolutely the BEST “cheer up” song I’ve read in a long time. This is so earnest & sincere. Your frisky rhyme & rhythm make this feel like an invitation to be more alive! I really love this & I feel this is the approach I’d love to see more often in other inspirational writing I’ve seen on this website. This is SHOWING what it looks like when we make those tough daily decisions to be in a better space . . . it really does turn out better than we could imagine (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Lovely Margie, you always leave me such interesting reviews and I so look forward to reading them. Hugs to you too (( ))

[barleygirl]

I love your new profile picture, too! *smile*

[Chris Shaw]

Aw thank you. Thought it about time I showed my face.

[emipoemi]

I have no words.....my voice is in my awe!! I had written my own take on that poem a while back. I'm not sure whether I've posted it yet, but if not, I'll definitely get around to posting it soon. But your take is amazing! Well done!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you emipoemi for reading these lines and leaving me your response. That means a lot.
read moreThank you emipoemi for reading these lines and leaving me your response. That means a lot.

Chris

[emipoemi]

my pleasure.

[.]

A wonderful poem, Christine.

This one flows with beautiful rhythm and captures the emotion of smiling through the sadness very accurately. I agree with Jimmy's comments. From my experience it is the saddest souls, those cracking from within, that bring great joy and laughter to others. They are the true selfless souls of this world. Precious beings.

An excellent poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Doodley. You have reminded me of some excellent comedians, like Tony Hancock, who suffered from dreadful depression, took his own life and yet made millions laugh. Good to receive your response, thank you.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

Lovely rhythm to your writing as always , and a lovely message in this poem Chris.

if we give in too much to our own inward thinking we go on a downward spiral, so in trying to help others worse off than ourselves we can actually lift our own mood. I am sure i read somewhere that smiling uses the muscles that help to release serotonin :)

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Stella, you hit the nail on its head. We can lift our own sadness by helping another out of theirs. That serotonin, is pretty powerful stuff. Thank you for your fine response.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

we learn these self help techniques as we go along and it is good then to pass our knowledge on to others :)

[sette]

yes this is one motivating and inspiring poem because there is nothing better on how to deal with the pains but just laugh it off and telling the whole world that is okay

[Chris Shaw]

Hello sette, pleased you found motivation and inspiration in this short poem. Thank you for responding.

Chris

[Lorry]

The second line, weeping alone, isso true, for so many more than you could imagine. We are taught to show strength and hide weakness, yet anyone who utters the words £i cant cope" will tell you that it can be the words that start the healing. Most of us know someone who has been in this situation and some of us will know that burden, but when the dam breaks, it helps us onto the journey of healing and begins to lift the weight we carry alone for too long.It isnt a cure, but it is a start, as we are all unique and no two causes are completely identical.
Your words here Christine show an empathy that can be lacking in the hectic day to day, but simply tell the reader, that you understand, without judging. Sometimes we can be afraid to ask if someone is okay, but those words could make a real difference to someone and feeling uncomfortable shouldnt be a barrier to asking. Sometimes it can be all that is required, to show compassion in what can feel at times an uncaring world. Sometimes it can be that simple.
Great words Christine. Now they are in the ether, and may just find the person that needs them.
Kudos.

[Chris Shaw]

I agree Lorry, reaching out is all important, a smile, a good morning, and a how are you today, might just be the catalyst to change. Your thoughtful review very much appreciated. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Lorry]

You're welcome :)

[Jimmy Yetts]

Often, the saddest people are those who make others laugh.
Still, the gift of laughter is a precious one.
Outstanding piece, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Jimmy. That means a lot to me.

Chris

[AYVID N]

Such amazing thoughts abound in you. They're surely kindled by your beautiful, bright spirit. ⚘

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA

Chris

[LKBillips]

Lovely rhyme and great subject. I hear the phrase "I have to laugh or else I'll cry" come to mind. Nicely done.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for reading and leaving a response.

Chris