NITROUS OXIDE

Laughter comes from the ground

from the buried treasures we once held so dear.

The things we fear most

are what make us most aware of our pleasures.

Remember that - and smile

at the irony of loving the soft

while living so hard

and leaving ourselves open to joy

in the midst of pain

and shame

and eternal rainstorms.

Keep this in mind

as you work not to frown

as you act like a clown:

laughter comes from the ground.