The Laughter

I heard the laughter
As the day first awoke.
Two elderly neighbors
Were sharing a joke.

I gazed out my window
And began laughing, too.
My insides were aching
Before I was through.

Then two little children
Stopped playing and waved.
As the daylight advanced,
Their picture, engraved

On my thoughts, kept me smiling
The afternoon through.
I felt like my whole lease
On life was brand new

And, when you came home,
It affected you, too.
It's amazing to me
Just what laughter will do.

© 2002 Pam H. Murray

June 21, 2002