The Bureau of Emotional Regulation
An Official Notice on the Discipline of Joy
Effective immediately
the proximity of joy is now restricted
laughter, once welcomed, is
now considered a risk
Please refrain from joyfulness
as it may disrupt the designated order
We regret to inform you
that smiles have been classified
as emotional hazards
exuberance no longer fits
the current standards of decorum
Should you encounter a trivial delight
do not engage directly
report it to the nearest Compliance Officer
Warning
Heartfelt interactions
will incur penalties of awkward silence
handshakes and hugs have been
deemed unsafe
as the warmth may lead to
unexpected connections
Emotions, contained, are prioritized
Please make note
any displays of kindness
may provoke envious gazes
a breach of protocol is imminent
should friends gather near
or should camaraderie take root
Furthermore
any instance of spontaneous creativity
may be met with scrutiny
Artistic expression must yield
to calculated outcomes
our new motto: “Function over feeling”
In closing
we recognize
that the absence of levity
creates a hollow sound
Yet order is paramount
in pursuit of structure
we sacrifice the spirit
a necessary trade-off, they say
Stay Alert
Stay Compliant
Stay Safe
Sincerely
The Bureau of Emotional Regulation
About the Creator
Tim Carmichael
Tim is an Appalachian poet and cookbook author. He writes about rural life, family, and the places he grew up around. His poetry and essays have appeared in Bloodroot and Coal Dust, his latest book.
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Comments (1)
The absence of levity does indeed create a hollow sound. Excellent work!