Jumpin’ Gelotology

Original DDE™ art: “Wild Laughter #2” by: rob kistner © 1/23/26

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wild laughter breaks the grip of seriousness
and people start saying what they want t’say
time expands into bubbles of outrageousness
rising and drifting, then bursting away

the voice forgets manners — the body says yes
shoulders shake loose old history’s hold
sorrow releases its grip in the mess
and silence leans closer — curious — bold

this sound gathers chaos, twists up the face
in a warmth that tingles like satin on skin
echoes that soften the edges of space
opening a door so that joy can rush in

when finally it fades something lasting remains
the foolishness of gravity come unquietly true—
being here despite losses — eschewing the strains
is a shared miracle — enjoyed rockingly with you

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rob kistner © 1/23/26

Poetry at: dVerse

Joy

Original DDE™ art: “Ecstatic” by: rob kistner © 1/23/26

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Joy arrives without knocking

a small beautiful bird
chirping merrily on the sill
not asking what you lost
or what aches you carry

it is the lift in breath
when morning light
finds a clean edge on the world

the laugh that escapes
unexpectedly
not asking permission

joy is not boisterous

it hums
it steadies the hands
loosens the jaw

teaches the heart
a gentler tempo

it shows up while washing a cup
in the smell of rain
in the sudden kindness of memory
that chooses mercy over regret

it throws wide its arms
in realizing that you are loved

joy does not promise forever

it asks only this:
be here now
notice
stand still
breath fully
and let yourself be glad

<~>

rob kistner © 1/23/26

Poetry at: dVerse