Welcome to the pub! Mish here as your host for Poetics and I’m feeling a bit giddy.

It seems my life has been cursed lately with unexpected losses and difficult situations. However, the light still has a way of slipping in to remind me of sweet memories and of better days ahead. Often it enters in the form of laughter. Thank goodness we can always find something to laugh about through our struggles.

Many of us are familiar with the quote that states “laughter is the best medicine”. Research has clearly revealed that a regular dose of good giggles can have a positive effect on our physical and mental well-being. According to studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), laughter is beneficial for cardiovascular health. When we laugh, our levels of stress hormones decrease, blood flow improves and our blood pressure lowers. Even our HDL levels, that “good cholesterol” we aim for, can actually increase. Other long term effects noted by The Mayo Clinic include the release of neuropeptides that help to improve our immune system. Laughter produces its own natural pain-killers and assists in combating depression and anxiety. Besides the research, we all know that laughter is contagious and it’s free. It’s a win-win!

The benefits of laughter extend to our social lives and ultimately to society. When we laugh with others, we create a sense of commonality. Laughter not only breaks the ice, but can also break down barriers, to promote friendship and inclusivity. It helps to build a foundation for trust and mutual respect. In the workplace, laughter can promote positive interactions as well as nurture a supportive, more relaxed environment. The University of North Texas Health Science Center has an informative article (here) that highlights all the advantages of a good laugh.

Here are a few fun facts about laughter, from The Reader’s Digest.

• Humans laughed before they spoke.
• Rats and monkeys laugh.
• Couples who laugh together have stronger relationships.
• Laughing burns more calories than you think. (Make me laugh!)
• Your sense of humour might be genetic.

Though there are many poems that can bring a chuckle, I did not find many poems written about laughter. In this one, Pablo Neruda emphasizes his need for his lover’s laughter through any season or hardship.

YOUR LAUGHTER

by Pablo Neruda

Take bread away from me, if you wish,
take air away, but
do not take from me your laughter.

Do not take away the rose,
the lance flower that you pluck,
the water that suddenly
bursts forth in joy,
the sudden wave
of silver born in you.

My struggle is harsh and I come back
with eyes tired
at times from having seen
the unchanging earth,
but when your laughter enters
it rises to the sky seeking me
and it opens for me all
the doors of life.

My love, in the darkest
hour your laughter
opens, and if suddenly
you see my blood staining
the stones of the street,
laugh, because your laughter
will be for my hands
like a fresh sword.

Next to the sea in the autumn,
your laughter must raise
its foamy cascade,
and in the spring, love,
I want your laughter like
the flower I was waiting for,
the blue flower, the rose
of my echoing country.

Laugh at the night,
at the day, at the moon,
laugh at the twisted
streets of the island,
laugh at this clumsy
boy who loves you,
but when I open
my eyes and close them,
when my steps go,
when my steps return,
deny me bread, air,
light, spring,
but never your laughter
for I would die.

So what do you think of when you think about laughter?

Does it bring back a specific memory of comradery with friends? Is there or was there someone in your life whose laughter you adored? What did your grandfather or best friend’s laugh sound like? Can you describe it literally or metaphorically? Were there times when you struggled to laugh or let laughter lift you up? Did laughter help you during difficult times? What makes you laugh? These are only some starting points for you to consider for today’s Poetics. The challenge is flexible. Just write to the theme of laughter, wherever that leads you.

Here’s how to join in:

• Write a poem of any style in response to the prompt. Post it to your blog.
• Click on Mr. Linky and add the direct URL and your name.
• Add a link to dVerse so that others can find us.
• Read and comment on the work of others.
• Pop into the pub to comment or say hello! We are friendly folk.