Poems (Cromwell)/Laughter
For works with similar titles, see Laughter.
LAUGHTER
Throughout his life men seldom spoke with him;
They stood aloof. But he could overhear
Their laughter hooting far away and near,
With scornful intonations. It could dim
Things lovely and beloved. Upon the rim
Of his most hallowed griefs it could appear
To mock with mirth and with unheeding cheer.
He was afraid of laughter. Ah, how prim,
How foolish, it could make his prayers! He durst
Not improvise a loving God. In cloak
Of tenderness could laughter lash his soul:
Until at last, with savage glee, it broke
From his own trammelled breast. He felt it roll
And surge to his own lips and quench his thirst.
They stood aloof. But he could overhear
Their laughter hooting far away and near,
With scornful intonations. It could dim
Things lovely and beloved. Upon the rim
Of his most hallowed griefs it could appear
To mock with mirth and with unheeding cheer.
He was afraid of laughter. Ah, how prim,
How foolish, it could make his prayers! He durst
Not improvise a loving God. In cloak
Of tenderness could laughter lash his soul:
Until at last, with savage glee, it broke
From his own trammelled breast. He felt it roll
And surge to his own lips and quench his thirst.