What We Say When We Say Nothing at All

Day 2 of 100 Poems: Small talk as a mirror of our vulnerability, avoidance, and strange connection?

I am back with another random poetry prompt (and if you are just joining me, get up to speed by reviewing day one). I’m sharing Day Two of my A Poem A Day for 100 days journey.

Day two’s prompt felt much more challenging. I had to spend time giving the topic, to write a poem about small talk, some thought. I looked up the definition of small talk. Tried to find interesting things others had to say about it and I just kept coming back to my own experience of it which has been mostly at networking events and maybe in elevators.

For me, small talk is a safety net. It is something I can count on to avoid going deep, and that is something I am realizing about myself as I am writing this. I don’t go deep with strangers right away. Or maybe it’s in the moment because I can think of a few times someone did talk me up at an airport but I still don’t think I went that deep.

Small talk at networking events probably also came to mind because hosting hospitality events is part of my job. I come across a lot of small talk at these gatherings, and a ton of looks (and gestures) that speak more volumes than words could ever express.

That’s when I think that networking events might be more about the things that go unsaid.

I consider myself more of an introvert than an extrovert, but maybe I’m an ambivert. At times I find small talk easy, especially when I’m doing it for work and I’m mentally prepared and “ready” to go in. Other times, when I network for myself I cling to small talk and avoid people at all costs. Is that agoraphobia?

The following are my sentiments about small talk in poetry format. What would you write? Are you an advocate of small talk or do you like going deep?

Day Two Prompt: Write a poem about small talk.

The Rules of Avoidance

I don’t know anyone in this room
right now. I roam, slowly.

Trying to find a corner
where could I blend in.

Curse myself for coming alone
just to do as I’m told. To get out

of my comfort zone. I do a lap.
Check out the spread.

A line of canapes and finger foods
catering to various dietary needs.

Some people are very
forthcoming with their needs.

I grab a drink, still moving
to avoid landing at a cocktail table

with an unwanted stranger
forced to make small talk.

Being careful about the parts
of me I reveal. Not wanting them

to know too much.
That’s why it’s best to stick with

lighthearted topics. The weather
never fails. Recent good theater.

Or low brow trash television drama
are all fair game. Keep it light.

Keep it moving.
Never go too deep.

Copyright © 2025 by Carla Monroy