Gallows humor is a type of dark, ironic comedy that finds something to laugh about in situations that are grim, hopeless, or even life-threatening. Think of it as the kind of joke someone might crack while facing a dire circumstance—like a prisoner making a quip on the way to the gallows, hence the name.

It’s often used as a coping mechanism, especially by people in high-stress professions like medicine, the military, or emergency services. By making light of the unthinkable, it can offer a strange kind of relief or solidarity in the face of fear or despair.

It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but for some, it’s a way to reclaim a bit of control or humanity in the darkest moments.

This was a YouTube comment.

“For supposedly the most dangerous Man in the World, he sure does run a lot. Runs from everything. Runs from the law, runs from fights, runs from his wife etc. Stand up and be a Man. Take accountability.”

I found it interesting.

I stalled driving mom and I back from Taki. We were at the red light with Polksey on our left. I thought I put it in first but it was in neutral.

Hours later when I went to Safeway (my first/second ever errand in the N) after my walk but before Belal Muhammad vs JMD, I stalled in the Safeway parking lot once and twice at the McDonalds drive thru.

And you know what?

That’s a good thing. I am so much more comfortable driving it than I’ve ever been. So much so that I’m not afraid of stalling it nor always vigilant to keep it from happening.

a fencer without a saber

a racer without gas

a boxer without gloves

a writer without ink…

Or in this case, any energy.

– Daniel Chappell (on the realities of a nine-to-five)

https://miamiala.medium.com/whats-meant-for-you-will-always-find-you-646831fe8856

“I did another fast start in the COM parking lot. And MAN, did it feel good. I’m not just unleashing the car’s potential, it’s unleashing my potential too.”

The coffee brown Cletos felt so natural on my fists.

It’s a feeling so… “opposite” of work. So opposite of civility. Of labor. Of monotony, dullness, responsibility, expectation, bureaucracy, and office politics.

It’s empowering. Fastening those gloves on is empowering. It channels strength into my being by way of my fists.

It’s a power than almost feels selfish because it doesn’t benefit any entity aside from me.

And as April suggested, I need it now more than ever.

The moment the thin gold hand struck 5 PM brought pure relief.

No more emails, responses, pressures, deadlines, or responsibilities.

With the mere movement of a single hand on my watch, I was free. And it felt great.