The Specific Way You Laugh

It's not the laugh itself—

it's the small inhale before it,

like you're surprised each time

something in the world is funny.

I've started saying things

just to hear that sound.

I tell my worst jokes

with my whole chest

and consider it a success

even when they don't land,

because sometimes you laugh anyway,

out of pity or affection,

and I can't tell the difference

and I don't want to.