There was laughter here...

I have the laugh lines of my mother.
Crinkles around the eyes that, like an explorer's flag being thrust into the ground
Bear witness that there was laughter here.

I cannot deny the marks left behind
From gleeful moments of smiles and giggles.
Yet many times I find it hard to recall those times.

Were they that long ago?
There was laughter here.
And it has quietly snuck out the back door.

No, there IS laughter here.
Each day is a new day and I can start over.
Let the laugh lines flourish and the frown lines stay at bay for another day.