“Cynics” by Tom Fedro
when did the laughter die
nothing funny to tickle the heart
or lift the face into a smile
unamused by the defects of age
in a world grown so solemn
it chokes sense of humor
what day did the cynic arise
with an eyeful of unhappy tears
belly bittered by uprising bile
mirth a memory cobwebbed
a rattling dry empty husk
figment of distance from youth
where hides the joy with its
shudders of pleasure at being alive
perhaps it was all an illusion
From my book Human Waters
Poesy plus Polemics 
‘say it isn’t so’ We drown in despair, must laugh at the absurd, take pleasure in the joy of simple laughter. Stand-up comedians that expose the ridiculousness of life situations do it for me every time. Well, nearly every time. Sometimes I just cry at it all too.
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George Carlin and Robin Williams used to do it for me
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A soliloquy no less…I hear its author speaking of life
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I find I have these conversations with myself more and more often – and not just when I’m in my cups
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Very interesting…kind of sums up how I have been feeling but much more poetically than I could express it…..perhaps it was an illusion; I wonder sometimes
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wonder is a wonderful thing
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Then again … perhaps it wasn’t
Maybe it isn’t –
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*smile*
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A beautiful poem Paul – very powerful imagery though it brings to mind the challenges of the age we live in and aging. I guess I would consider the illusion more as a memory. As Frank Sinatra sang “You can’t take that away from me”. Best. Chevvy
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thanks kindly, Chevvy – I’d never argue with the “chairman of the board”
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Have a great day Paul:-)
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This is amazing, love it!
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thanks kindly
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maybe it just
needs be
tickled out 🙂
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it might work
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Yes, been thinking about reality versus illusion lately (as I age). Thanks for expressing it so well!
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much appreciated
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Where indeed? Lovely.
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thanks kindly
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How wonderful we have poetry to help each other;
Commiserate, celebrate, even hibernate…..
Or perhaps jolt each other into activity
To feel more alive.
M.E.
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wonderful sentiments
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Powerful depression so well expressed! As usual. Hope for a break in the mood or the realization. Some things some times can still bring a smile, no?
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it’s always an up and down cycle
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Ain’t that the truth!! Hope you are in an up cycle soon!!
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Hi Paul Life has become too serious where has the fun gone? Thank you for liking my poem Exposed! Best Wishes. The Foureyed Poet.
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my pleasure
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Intense. Concise. Thought provoking. Loved it Paul. 🙂
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I sincerely appreciate that, bob
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