Laughing Matter

They say
This world’s no laughing matter—but how else
Can we account for stars that sing for joy?
Or what about the daffodils that shake their skirts?
Electric tails of skinks, and striped bees,
Dogs who wriggle welcome; and all cats,
Themselves an inside joke. This world’s heart hums
With humor by the handfuls, euphoria
Echoing eternal. Now open eyes,
See that Love’s still springing His surprise—
Mercy found in mirth, most holy hope.
Come ache or break, have faith—He still invites
His children—joy!—to join in His delight,
Because, dear heart, your faith will soon be sight. 

This poem originally appeared in the April 2025 issue of Clayjar Review, “Mirth.” It was the first time they’d accepted one of my poems, and secretly I always think it was the skinks that won the editors over.

The line about cats was hotly contested. My mom (always my first and best editor) was amused by it but also concerned; she wasn’t sure it fit and said it seemed as if the cats were forcing their way into the poem. I retorted that such behavior was exactly typical of cats and thus she was only proving my point. In the end, I made two versions of this poem, one as it is now and one scrupulously cat-free, and sent it around to some writing friends. They voted overwhelmingly for this version. With a little more poetic experience under my belt, I’d say that it’s because folks enjoy having an extra concrete image. But maybe it’s also that the cats would not be denied.

Regardless, I hope this poem makes you smile.