Laugh, Emoji, Laugh

In the lively arena of Social Media political discussion

Someone might post something that espouses a viewpoint you abhor, and you counter their point with facts and logic, thinking your response beyond reproach and repercussion,

But behold, there are those who don’t like what you say and therefore don’t like you and they are happy to let you know

That you are the Scum of the Earth and you are The Problem and why don’t you crawl back under the rock you crawled under or make like a tree and leave or hang your head in shame and go.

Your logic, your facts, your reasoning cut no ice with certain true believers

Who think beliefs are like votes and once they have voted they are forever devoted and instead of counter-logic and superior reason they reach for pitchforks and torches and meat cleavers,

And one more tool in their arsenal is a favorite of passive-aggressives who have nothing to say because lazy or cowardly but oh gee

Behold a way to mark the territory: the insidious Laugh Emoji.

It is the weapon of choice for those too ineloquent to speak but with an urge to mock

And don’t want to take the time to comment, preferring to hit and run, deride and dash, with the subtlety of a caveman’s club rather than the finesse of the nerve pinch of Mr. Spock,

But when you ask What’s So Funny? they like as not use another Laugh Emoji, wiggling away easily

In the manner of the passive-aggressive, just effing with you with minimum effort, quickly and weaselly.

But, Friends, please keep on speaking your truths and taking your stands, because it is vital to oppose this Rush Limbaugh and that Tucker Carlson and other Bull Connor,

And if you get a Laugh Emoji, realize it says more about them than about you, and wear it like a badge of honor.

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Grateful acknowledgement to the spirit of Ogden Nash for the use of his style.