Raucous Laughter Of Delight

Raucous Laughter Of Delight
© Surazeus
2026 03 18

While reading tragic tale of Oedipus, 
composed by Cinaethon in epic verse 
with elegant curved script Cadmus designed, 
I hear someone in dim library gloom  
erupt with raucous laughter of delight 
that startles me from horror of despair. 

Tiptoeing through labyrinth of tall book shelves 
that winds deep in library hall of stone, 
past statues of gods that stare in my soul, 
I search for the mysterious personage 
whose joyful laughter echoes in dim gloom, 
trembling as I approach demon-carved door. 

When I enter Finis Africae room, 
hidden at core of vast library maze, 
I see tall man in white robe stained with blood, 
bearded face and brown eyes lit by stark light 
that beams from cracked lamp of Diogenes, 
contorted by laughter of frantic glee. 

Shocked at sight of the tall elegant man 
laughing with delight as he slaps his knee, 
I wonder what elicits merriment 
from solemn Jesus, son of Jupiter, 
who doubles over with dizzy delight, 
then wipes tears away as he slaps my arm. 

Picking book up off the ground that he dropped, 
I see it is the comic play named Clouds 
that snarky Aristophanes composed 
about that weird snub-nosed philosopher 
named Socrates who played ignorant fool 
to deflate egos of arrogant men. 

Staring at Jesus, bemused by his joy 
that seems in excess to the silly play, 
I listen as he explains why he laughs 
at how that wise fool fools wise men so well 
because his clumsy frame hides divine soul 
who teaches men to question their beliefs. 

Leaning close, Jesus whispers in loud voice 
that Jorge de Burgos, that grim buzzkill, 
believes laughter ruins authority 
the Church must exercise over all men 
based on fear of damnation in hot Hell, 
but laughter is the source of love in life. 

Amused to see the son of Jupiter 
laughing with delight at the comic play, 
I join him in fruit garden by the pool 
where he plays lyre of Mercury and sings 
lyrics of Sappho that celebrate love 
between friends while kids dance with graceful joy.