We can answer only one question at a time; so I've edited
your question to the analysis of Line 8. As the poem's speaker--someone who has either
experienced the death of someone close to him recently or who is at an age when death
seems near--ponders death, he considers how no one else on the planet has the same
connection as he does with his close family or friends. He enjoys that they allow him to
be himself, in a sense performing for them, that they allow him to be the life of the
party, cracking inside jokes and basking in the rapport that they all
share.
Keeping that unique relationship in mind as you read
the poem, consider then the similarities between the glistening of tears and the
sparkling of diamonds. From a literal standpoint, after bringing his friends to tears
with laughter from his quick wit, the speaker looks at his "audience" and sees the
glistening from their tears and earrings. In the context of the poem, though, the
figurative connection between tears and diamonds is more significant. Both tears and
diamonds are obviously precious to most humans. For the speaker, the tears of laughter
are so precious because they illustrate the unique personal bond that he has with those
whom he has brought to tears, and of course, diamonds are the most precious of stones.
Updike implies that kinship with others (represented by the tears) is as valuable or
perhaps more valuable than tangible objects (such
as diamonds).
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