Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Special Feature Collaborative Poem--By Lainey--Canada and Michael Todd--United States

Smile Catcher

By Lainey & Michael Todd

Comic relief class clown, what I aspire to be.
No pratfall too hard to take, stumble the aisle.
Take it to the limit? No limitations for me.
My chief purpose, that I might bring you a smile.

It's a challenge of sorts, at my risk and expense.
To find that funny bone, you must tickle and tease.
I will flop, jump and fall, to build sheer suspense,
Just securing your laugh, requires true expertise.

Some are receptive, even take me for granted at times.
While others pose a challenge, I can walk the extra mile.
Should I tell a funny story, anecdotes, perhaps rhymes?
Whatever it takes, I'm up to task, quite versatile.

The formula for making funny, is not easy, I admit.
If you overcook it, no laughs rise, you will just fall.
For comedy I stand up. If that's not funny, I just sit.
And when I'm sad, my humor is a mask that hides it all.

The reason for this road map? Simply a reminder to self,
As opposed to being a "how to do it" for the rank and file.
While I can't always be funny, I do my best to be top shelf.
Not in the mood today? Okay. Tomorrow, I'm still on the dial.

While I don't have great wealth, I want so much to amuse.
A gift of laughter makes me feel much more worthwhile.
At the end of the day, I proudly ponder on each bruise...
Especially ones gotten, as I tripped over a smile.

32 comments:

  1. I identify with the clowning. The greatest rewards are the big smiles and hearty laughs. Thank you.

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    1. Thank you for you generous overview, Elizabeth. Your words ring genuine.
      Thank you for visiting.

      And, of course... Nice FRISTING !!!

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    2. Lainey and Todd,
      A great, uplifting poem. Welcome to Whispers, Lainey! I hope you will continue to post.
      Your new friend,
      David Fox

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    3. Thanks so much for spending time with us, David. It is greatly appreciated, Sir.

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  2. To me, laughter has it. The strongest relationships come out of it. Loved to see this duet These two flow in all the right directions.

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    1. Alba Leigh... We are all about relationships. And, Moon Sisters. <3

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  3. Smiles and laughter.... the cement that holds relationships and friendships together! This gave me a huge smile. Mission accomplished, my friends! Much love to both you & Lainey! HUGS

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    1. I love that you touch on bonding and friendships, Colleen. Without those intact, there would be no me, or us... I get emotional just thinking about it. Typing is one thing, but if I had to speak right now, it would be difficult to do.

      Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

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  4. It is good to laugh at situations and make fine jokes. Blessed are those who make me smile for I will smile right back at them and give them all my best wishes

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    1. When it becomes time to return in kind, Joan, it is always best when what we are returning is kindness and good humor. I love, love, love your analogy.

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  5. Hey, guys, this is very cool and yes, there is difficulty at times "making funny" as you write, but peoples' funny bone is sometimes not there, as per se........... your poem is so real and honest, yet, humble and speaks volumes! I love humor, laughing is a great release! Sheri

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    1. Sheri... getting to write this with Lainey, was as fine an opportunity as I have ever had in my time writing. We really had a great time, going back and forth, and her closing stanza is as good as it gets, for me.

      Thanks so much for visiting.

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    2. I don't think there is any greater gift than the ability to make someone smile. And that smile in return becomes the gift. A smile from someone special has the ability to stop the world. You two had me at the title, and I love this <3

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    3. Thanks, Dahlia... Our title was a spin on something called a dream catcher. Your thoughts expressed here are quite endearing, as are you.

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  6. Lainey and Michael, what a well written collaboration. An excellent description of what Stand Up Comedians face. It really is fun when the punch lines get a good laugh and quite disheartening with they don't. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talents.
    Charlene

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    1. Thanks, Charlene... Regardless of eventual results, we still feel the need to put our selves out there, sometimes.

      Very happy this resonates with you.

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  7. With words, wisdom and wit ; you two have shown us the joys of friendship through laughter and perseverance
    Stormy Dormire

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  8. We have had more than our fair share of both, Stormy Gail. But, when we wrote this, we were so innocent.

    Thanks so much for coming over tonight. I was hoping to see you here. :)

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  9. What a wonderful response to this poem. Congratulations Michal and Lainey! Welcome to our online journal Lainey! This is a wonderful poem, creative and thought-provoking all in one. Hope to read more of your work in the future. You write well together.

    Best wishes,
    Karen

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    1. I am happy you are pleased with the response and you like the poem, Karen.
      I look forward to when Lainey gets back into the swing of writing and posting on a regular schedule. She is a gifted poet.

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    2. Michael and Lainey, this is a remarkable and touching collaborative piece. Some of the world's funniest people are also the saddest. Here, I could feel that and quite keenly. It hurts so much when one "trips over a smile."

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    3. Hello, Eliza Anne... Your analogy rings true, here. We never know. They hide it so well.

      Thanks for coming over. :)

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    4. Thanks for sharing your collaborative poem Lainey & Michael. To be able to make people laugh & to enjoy a good laugh is paramount in today's society. To be able to share a smile with a friend is a strong bonding agent. Like the bible said, "laughter is good medicine". The world is lacking it big time! Best Wishes, Chris~

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    5. Chris... You view point is so uplifting. Your view point is just what we were trying to convey.

      Thanks!

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  10. Congrats on your collaborative featured poem..Sara

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  11. I am always so late for these! So sorry! I do love me a Lainey/Myke duet and this one gave me smiles in remembering the friendship that you two share so wonderfully

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    1. Thanks, Dave... We had the best time writing this, and have enjoyed the positive response here this past week.

      Good times, good times.

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  12. Oh Myke... Im so glad I found this piece by you and Lainey. Definitely brought a smile to my face. Awesome. xxxx

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    1. Thanks, Divinia. You know our motto:
      If you're happy, we're happy. :)

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