A cup of laughter

his name was Edward St. James

resting now in the bone yard

atop the hill to the south

some say he had a good end

only aware that undoubtedly

he laughed until he couldn't

but little was known of the cause

that started his laughable plague

and still less was sought after

after Edward gasped his last breath

he had just returned from a venture

to the north to a relative for riches

the distant once removed such and such

had overlooked his sisters the bitches

thus all that glittered in his clutches

was bestowed to someone he knew little

twas Edward who had never even met

his benefactor known for frequent spittle

the lawyers had said all their spiel

and left Edward with his lot in the hall

among all the house keys, deeds and coins

a curious glass chalice stood tall

it glimmered just so in the dim light

to catch Edward's attention and eye

as he looked into the crystal cup

a faint design he thought he could spy

the ancient home had been greatly ignored

over the years the owner laid expiring

so Edward decided to return to his own home

as the whole trip had been trying and tiring

once there he relayed the news to friends

and reveled in his new found gold and wealth

pouring wine, Edward chose his new chalice

and his party drank to good luck and health

the first drink from the cup hit him hard

and Edward soon found himself in a stupor

but he continued with cheers after cheers

to where his boisterous laughter was super

the volume and frequency continued

until the rest of the room was still

yet Edward continued hollering his cheer

which was apparently beyond his own will

this condition stayed through the night

ravaging Edward's body with trepidation

he was bedridden for three more days

until he was met with his own expiration

the room was piercingly filled with quiet

once it was emptied of Edward's last breath

the smirking chalice stood tall on the table

having the last laugh in Edward's death