Small talk
about the holidays
new year, new you
maybe you’ll go paleo—
there’s no way out of this room
Small talk
about the weather
mudslides and ice patches
maybe you’ll buy new boots—
there’s no way out of this exchange
Small talk
about the community
the alderman is up for re-election
maybe you’ll remember to vote—
there’s no way out of this moment
Small talk
about the neighbors
always screaming and banging
maybe you’ll call the cops later—
there’s no way out of this script
If I could
I would fold myself up
slip through the walls
and disappear forever
but you’re here, talking at my face
with the expectation of geniality
so just give me a moment
to think up some bullshit
just give me a moment
to breathe.
© Nancy Botta, 2018
Rusted Honey 
Really enjoyed this!
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Loved it! People talking constantly and saying nothing. Well done!
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Yesssssssss. All day long!
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Good one to get me through Friday Afternoon
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Love the edge you bring to this …
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How many times I have been in those labyrinths. You captured the experience.
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Hell is others
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I could feel the discomfort growing…
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Loved this…we’ve all had one of those moments and you captured it perfectly.
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I wrote a similar poem about an introvert’s panic attack. I really like the way this one sounds when reading it out loud!
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We also read this piece out loud.
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life is a succession of ongoing panic attacks, varying by degree. I liked this. It speaks of a mind content to reside within it’s own space, not wishing any intrusion. I understood it entirely 🙂
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Seems like you were in a situation that you needed to be away from.
Very relatable.
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LOL! Please make the boring stop!!!
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