Dying of Laughter

by

Charlotte McCoy

Someone in the witty group

Utters something, flicks a look

And that’s enough to get me going

Better watch now, what I’m doing.

In my tummy, forms a rumble

Then from my mouth the laughter tumbles

My mates say, “Oh no, here it comes!

What did we say? What have we done?”

My mouth has cracked into a smile

And I’m giggling like a child.

Tears are rolling down my cheeks

I haven’t laughed like this for weeks!

I look up to a noisy din

And realise everyone’s joined in

And that’s enough to start anew –

Fit of laughter number two!

My stomach and my ribs are sore

I find I’m rolling round the floor.

By now I’m wishing I could stop

My friends aren’t helping with their snorts.

I laugh so much, can’t catch my breath

This habit might just be my death.

Sure enough, there stands St Peter

With outstretched hand, “Hi, pleased to meet you!”

I enter heaven, led by angels

And there are all the jolly souls

Who’ve died and come up here before me

Murdered by a funny story.

I peek down at my funeral service

My laughing friends are looking nervous

There’s my gravestone, there lies me

Died of laughter – RIP.