Dithyramb

But behind that exterior smile
I say there’s sure to be found,
A masked and disregarded frown
I ask—can it be so easy for all?
To simply smile—just a lift of the cheeks
At all of the world’s menacing wounds

Well.. is it, so easy?
Though, we’ll say no,.. no
It cannot!

For the smile is something different
It tries to cure the unfairness of pain
With its lighthearted teeth…
And thus—its laughter endeavors to….?
Whisk away all of last night’s sorrows?

Or how… How does it do it with such poise?
And precisely
Like an anecdote for impending pessimism

This Charisma must be from Dionysus himself!
So you should extol it more than any
As the most godlike of your sentiments

It’s like demonic Love, who conquered all
But left destruction in its passion…

While your humor leaves no trail
But only a heartfelt amusement…
And some happiness
And smiles comparable to the Absurd
Like it gives a clue to true Meaning

Hinting that it’s only really like a comedy
When asked what it all meant.
So try to laugh yourself to tears
At spectacles of misery and tragedy!

Spend your nights in carefree chaos!
While drinking yourself to an oblivion!
And laughing away all of your sins and pains!
Yes! I prescribe that you do just that!
Let it be your new philosophy!

So when old or new troubles do arise
You will now just… laugh them away!
It is the most amiable—and most admirable of lifestyles,
To simply smile
And laugh
At life.