To Laugh Like He

I wrote this poem after reading Dickens`, A Christmas Carol, with Scrooge in mind.

Never am I inclined
to laugh with shut eyes,
heartfelt and hearty...
without disguise.

My laugh is not contagious,
neither unique, nor outrageous,
but... rather forced
and uncourageous.

How blessed I would be
to laugh like he,
who throws back his head
in utter glee.
Who slaps his knee
and stomps the ground,
who fills the air
with vibrant sound.

What a spectacle!
this favored soul he makes,
as he dances,
and shudders,
and prances,
and shakes.

And of what does he laugh?
Of himself I`d guess.
Oh, if I could laugh,
truly, I`d be blessed.