Life and Soul of the Party

Life and soul of the party.
Always a sprightly quip, to ease the way
and keep your lips curved and teeth bared
in laughter not disdain.

Always keep in your mind that no joke
of mine is meant to challenge you. How better can
I show you that I am your friend than by making you laugh?
And I am clever. I pride myself on my wit. Scarcely anything
you can say would find me lost for a jolly riposte.

Though of course I hasten to add that if you told me of sadness
I would be swift to compose myself in the slow nodding of
solemn sympathy. You are safe with me in your vulnerability.
For kindness is even easier than a joke to gain your approval.

As a friend should be, I am sensitive to your mood. I am no mere
buffoon; no thoughtless boor. If your face clouds, or I consider
your response to my sallies to be mere polite forbearance I discreetly
withdraw and await a better time to win your favour.

Nor would I dream of burdening you with any plight of mine.
Surely a problem shared is a problem doubled not halved
for how can pain be lessened by its telling? No, the right way
is to consign such traitors to the deepest dungeon and forget them.

I am aware that some might disagree with this policy of mine
but I am tolerant of their views. My way may not work for them,
for I pride myself on my strength and know that not all can
possess it. This is, of course, not their fault and I am always understanding.

So let me make you laugh and make you like me. I need to be liked
and do not consider this a weakness. Let me look at you now and
see your approving smile - for have I not pleased you with my wit?