The Journey Inward

Can you imagine laughter as something frivolous?
Something that covers up your substance?
Something that takes away from your credibility?
Something that can be experienced just briefly,
And only toward a show, movie, baby or pet?
Can you imagine hearing the sound of laughter so infrequently,
That its cadence sounds unfamiliar, shocking, perplexing?
Can you imagine trying to manage your laughter,
To maintain the perception of control?
Can you imagine feeling silly and stupid and immature,
When laughter bursts from your throat and you can't stop?
Can you imagine feeling self conscious, embarrassed or shy,
When you laugh at your own joke?
Can you imagine moving so quickly past the funny,
Lest it become hysterical and you are shown to be shallow?

Neither can I.  
Anymore.