By Laughter, Silent Me

Laughter echoes through the hall
Strangers share their joyous call
But my voice stays locked away
Stranger laughter, silent me
Laughter rings, silence stings
Voices rise, I disguise

Cheers explode in crowded rooms
Glasses clash defying glooms
Yet my lips stay sealed and still
Against my will
They weave tales with easy cheer
Bonding close without a fear
While my quietude takes hold
Growing cold

In their mirth I fade unseen
Every burst a sharper screen
Not the joy they amplify
But my sigh

Stranger laughter, silent me
Sounds that never set me free
Every chuckle fills the air
Leaves me bare
Stranger laughter, silent me
Hiding what they cannot see
Every roar that shakes the night
Dims my light

Laughter swells, silence dwells
Voices blend, I descend
Crowds unite, I take flight
No echo found, peace profound

I nod along to join the tide
Hide the hush I hold inside
But the merriment reveals
What it steals
The louder that their chorus grows
The clearer my mute shadow shows
And in stillness I reclaim
My own name

Every guffaw pulls apart
Through the noise I guard my heart
Not the wave they ride so high
But my why

Stranger laughter, silent me
Sounds that never set me free
Every burst that lights their way
Fades my day
Stranger laughter, silent me
Hiding what they cannot see
Every quiet breath I save
Makes me brave

Maybe mute was meant to hear
Truth beyond their raucous cheer
Every pause that night allows
Breaks the boughs
Now I cherish wordless peace
Let the silence never cease
The serenity their noise can't reach
I beseech

Stranger laughter, silent me
Now it's clarity I see
Never needed to compete
In their heat
Stranger laughter, silent me
Voice within sets truly free
Every stillness I embrace
Finds my place

Stranger laughter, silent me
Soft and low
I'm just a quiet soul set free
Finally

By laughter, silent me