A joke is an attempt by a mortal weakling
to bring attention to a faltering "i":
to solicit approval of synthetic wit
that will secure admission to the world of fame.

A joke paints a picture an artist wouldn't dare
it disguises a snear at some fearful foe
and hides the hate which made it grow.
Still all is not bad there is some good:

Jokes warm us while in the throes of life's winters
by filling our hearts with radiant laughter.
Jokes give us strength to try again
whenever defeat is near and all seems vain.

Jokes make us laugh during times of trial
while easing the burden which often weigh us down.
Jokes poke holes through the stormy dew
permitting the sun of comfort to shine through.

What is a joke but a way to say
though days be dark and nights uncertain,
though frigid winds enfold you in a hopeless grip;
though all seems lost in life's darkened maze:

Hope is emergig over the distant horizon.
In laughter you'll find it most surprising
that the things that once darkened your hope
were not the end -- just nature's joke.