Laugh Poem by Jim Yerman

What keeps a family close?
What makes old friendships last?
What makes a moment special
before it fades into the past?

I believe the answer is quite simple, as far as I'm aware…
when friends and family come together…there's always laughter in the air.

Some people will say love is the answer and I believe that's partially true…
for love provides the framework…but laughter is the glue.

The glue that binds friends and families together through all our hopes and fears…
that helps us rediscover life…amid our sorrow and tears.

Perhaps that's why we were given this gift.
Perhaps that is laughter's goal.
To strengthen the love within our heart
and the joy within our soul.

When we look back on a person's life…
is there a better epitaph
than to say he shared his smile everyday
or every day she shared her laugh.

So it seems to me:
If you want to keep your friends and family close
in this moment…and every moment after…
Smile when you come together…
and don't forget the laughter.