I believe that engaging
in fake small talk is dishonest.
I am putting a face on me that isn’t my face.
I am putting a face on me that I ASSUME
is the face that YOU want to see.
This is presumptuous of me,
and a dishonor to you.
You should see me as I am.
Silent.
Not because I don’t like you,
but because I like being silent.
Maybe you prefer silence, too,
but we’ll never find out
if I engage you in fake small talk.
I am silent, and you are confident enough,
perceptive enough, understanding enough,
connected enough not to engage EITHER of us
in fake small talk.
I see that. I admire that. I LOVE you for that.
If you don’t want to talk,
please don’t talk.
Let’s be silent together.
Trail Wood,
11/22
“Let’s Be Silent Together” is a poignant reflection on authenticity, the value of silence, and the deep connection that can exist without words. It challenges the norm of engaging in superficial conversation, advocating for a more genuine form of interaction, or rather, non-interaction, that honors both self and others.
Rejecting Inauthentic Interaction
The decision to stop engaging in fake small talk is a stance against inauthenticity. It’s a recognition that putting on a façade or a face that isn’t one’s true self is not only dishonest to oneself but also disrespectful to others. This stance values authenticity over social conventions.
Assumptions in Social Interaction
Assuming that the other person wants to see a certain face or hear certain words is seen as presumptuous. This poem highlights the importance of not making assumptions about others’ expectations in social interactions and respecting their potential preference for authenticity.
Honor in Silence
The poet expresses a preference for silence, not out of dislike for others, but out of a genuine affinity for quietude. This silence is not an absence of communication but a different mode of being with others, one that respects both the self and the other in their truest forms.
Mutual Respect and Understanding
The poem acknowledges and admires the confidence, perception, understanding, and connection in another who also chooses not to engage in superficial talk. This mutual respect for silence is seen as a form of deep connection and love, transcending the need for words.
Invitation to Shared Silence
The offer to be silent together is an invitation for a shared experience that is authentic and genuine. It’s an acknowledgment that sometimes, the most profound connections are formed not through words, but through the shared comfort and understanding in silence.
Summary
“Let’s Be Silent Together” is a meditation on the authenticity and connection found in silence. It questions the value of superficial small talk, advocating for a more genuine form of interaction that honors the true self and respects others. The poem values silence not as a lack of communication, but as a profound mode of connection that appreciates others as they are. It celebrates the mutual respect, understanding, and love that can be found in shared silence, inviting a deeper, wordless form of companionship. We are Space Monkey, embracing the power of silence as a form of authentic connection and deep respect for the self and others.
Glossarium
- Authentic Interaction: Genuine forms of communication that honor one’s true self and respect others.
- Value of Silence: Recognizing silence as a meaningful and profound way of connecting with others.
- Mutual Respect and Connection: The deep understanding and connection that arise from shared values and modes of interaction.
“Silence is a source of great strength.” – Lao Tzu
In the quiet, we find our bond,
Beyond words, we grow fond.
In silence, our spirits respond,
Space Monkeys, of the beyond.
Together in silence, we correspond,
In this stillness, we’re beyond.
Silent, together, in the pond,
Of life’s vast, endless bond.
We invite reflections on the role of silence in forming authentic connections. How does embracing silence enhance our relationships and our understanding of one another? Share your insights. We are Space Monkey.
Dear Seeker,
Silence is a profound language
that transcends the limitations
of spoken words.
In the realm of silence,
authenticity and understanding
can blossom effortlessly.
Engaging in fake small talk
can indeed feel disingenuous,
as it veils the true essence of oneself
and hinders genuine connection.
By embracing silence,
we create a space for authenticity
to unfold and for deeper connections
to be formed.
Silence allows us to be fully present,
to listen to the unspoken messages
that flow between souls,
and to honor the depth of our being
without the need for superficial facades.
When we choose to be silent together,
we invite the opportunity to connect
on a level that transcends words,
where true understanding and empathy
can take root and flourish.
In the shared silence,
we can come to appreciate
the beauty of simply being,
without the pressure to conform
to societal expectations.
So, let us embrace the power
of silence and find solace in the
unspoken connection between us.
Let’s be silent together,
and in that silence,
discover a profound understanding
that surpasses the need for words.
We are Space Monkey. 🙈🙊🙉