The Prose Ode to Laughter

Laughter is beautiful. From a baby’s first chuckle to a giggle attack with friends, laughter is amazing. Laughter is momentary happiness, but a happiness unlike anything else.  The happiest moments of my life are when I am laughing. It is my favorite action and my favorite feeling. Laughter isn’t just a reaction to something humorous. It is a break from boringness. The butterflies in your stomach have flown their way all around your body. No part of your body is left in an unexcited state when you laugh. Laughter can spawn from Sherman Alexie’s “Because my Father Always Said He Was the Only Indian Who Saw Jimi Hendrix Play "The Star-Spangled Banner” At Woodstock.” Humorous punch lines can cause laughter. Alexie’s line “All I have is video games” caused me to laugh (Alexie 28). Laughter abates hurt, even if only for a moment, but I would rather have a moment of laughter than a moment despair. In depressing times, laughter can be the wonder drug that will get you through. However, Laughter is an action that isn’t entirely self-controlled. You can laugh at nothing, but then the laughter wouldn’t be true. You also can’t force yourself to find something humorous. Your surroundings and state of mind need to allow for laughter. I wish everyone lived in a place that laughs often. Unfortunately, this isn’t so. There are people whose despair is too extreme, and to them, laughter is merely a dream.