Laughter

occurs sporadically, a bit forced
through tight lips and tensed jaw.
It comes laced with guilty pleasure
and rebellion. An antidote
to the numbness of inertia, lethargy.

Sorrow

flows and floods,
can overwhelm even the light of day.
It too brings on a species of numbness
that might enable the heart to heal.

Irony

In other words, salt everything.
We only have our point of view
and the laughter and sorrow it brings.
We are contingent creatures
and in the irony of our lives
lies the key to solidarity.