The air is still.
The room is intoxicated.
It is filled with laughter
that almost infects me.
Then
something changes.
The warmth leaves first.
A word escapes
that should have stayed
behind someone's teeth.
It shouldn't have been let out.
It should have been thought of.
It was cheerful just now,
but now
the atmosphere tastes different.
Laughter becomes a weapon.
Smiles grow sharp.
The laughter changes.
The smiles don't feel the same anymore.
There is something in the room
something I can't explain.
A few words,
some insults,
and suddenly
the joy is gone.
I sigh.
Then it fades
so quickly,
as if nothing happened.
I stare
at the room,
then mind my business.
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