1. Which images from Lameris’s poem resonate most with you, and why?

The imagery in this poem is very strong. In particular, the part about people pulling their legs in and saying thank you to the person handing you a coffee. I feel like I can see all of the instances brought up in the poem and relate to them strongly. This poem makes you think of how we have evolved as a human race over the years, and the images she uses strengthens this point.

2. What is the poet’s argument here? What does she want us, the reader, to consider? and what is your response to her argument(s)? Valid? Half-baked? Too sentimental? Spot on?

I think the poet is arguing that humans have evolved from being tribal societies, but still maintain the connection they had in a different way. We all live through these shared experiences that connect us, and acknowledging that makes us better humans. I think her arguments are well founded and I agree with them. “Brief moments of exchange,” are the way we stay connected in the modern world and that makes it ever more important to be intentful and meaningful with your actions.

3. In what ways does “Small Kindnesses” interact with ideas or themes from prior course readings? Be specific as you make connections.

This reading made me think immediately of David Foster Wallace’s “This is Water”. The themes of being patient with others and understanding that everyone else is going through what you experience overlap heavily. Both Lameris and DFW touch on how you make the conscious decision to be kind to strangers, and how that can overall keep you connected with the world. I also thought a bit about Bloom’s “Is Empathy Overrated”. Lameris uses potent imagery and relatable lines to connect to the reader and let them see through her lens. Bloom’s view on empathy reminded me of how some may rise against Lameris’ points, potentially calling them oversimplified and too small to make an impact. I choose to see any act of kindness as positive, despite the size or magnitude of the action, a view which I don’t feel Bloom shares.

4. In what ways is this a “pandemic poem”?

The term pandemic poem makes me think about how we managed to stay connected despite being told to be separate. Lameris talks about how we are all connected to one another due to small acts of kindness, something which I saw a lot throughout the pandemic’s duration. “Small Kindnesses” reminds us that we are still part of a whole and that we still matter, something I felt fell to the back burner over the past few years.

5. Read the poem aloud to someone not in our class, then have a brief discussion about it. Write a couple sentences about the interaction.

I read this poem to my older sister. She thought it was really meaningful and she felt very introspective about the themes present in the poem. I talked to her about how I related to the poem and we discussed what Lameris meant by tribes and fire. My sister really enjoyed the poem and thought it was a good piece to remind you that it is important to do the little things for others, as you may never know the impact, but it could be instrumental in someone’s life.