Laughter

THIS IS A POEM WRITTEN BY MANINGNING MICLAT.

He left me
when he could
no longer stand the laughter

that I gave him
while he begged me not
to keep memories

alive in poems
to hurt myself
and make those
who read

sad. I laughed
when he shared
his life with me
while holding him

to make it easier
and maybe
less painful
to live on.

Laugh! I told
him, but
could not get
his attention.

Laugh! I asked 
him, but
he left in
anger.

And left
before he understood
the courage
that held my laughter.