Welcome to Poem of the Day – Small Kindnesses by Danusha Laméris
Danusha Laméris’ poem Small Kindnesses speaks to the often-overlooked moments of empathy and kindness that shape our daily lives. In a world where grand gestures often take center stage, Laméris calls our attention to the smaller acts that, though quiet and simple, can have profound effects. Through vivid imagery and a conversational tone, Laméris invites readers to recognize the power of small kindnesses, encouraging us to appreciate the everyday acts of care that go unnoticed.
Small Kindnesses Poem
I’ve been thinking about the way, when you walk
down a crowded aisle, people pull in their legs
to let you by. Or how strangers still say “bless you”
when someone sneezes, a leftover
from the Bubonic plague. “Don’t die,” we are saying.
And sometimes, when you spill lemons
from your grocery bag, someone else will help you
pick them up. Mostly, we don’t want to harm each other.
We want to be handed our cup of coffee hot,
and to say thank you to the person handing it. To smile
at them and for them to smile back. For the waitress
to call us honey when she sets down the bowl of clam chowder,
and for the driver in the red pick-up truck to let us pass.
We have so little of each other, now. So far
from tribe and fire. Only these brief moments of exchange.
What if they are the true dwelling of the holy, these
fleeting temples we make together when we say, “Here,
have my seat,” “Go ahead — you first,” “I like your hat.”
Small Kindnesses Explanation
Understanding the Theme
At its core, Small Kindnesses celebrates the little gestures that bring people together and soften life’s harsher edges. Laméris doesn’t focus on dramatic or heroic acts but instead draws our attention to the subtler moments, like holding the door open for a stranger, offering a smile, or sharing a quiet word of encouragement. These small acts, often dismissed as insignificant, are depicted as essential to human connection.
Tone and Mood
The tone of the poem is reflective and warm. Laméris speaks as if sharing a personal reflection with the reader, her words inviting us to pause and reconsider our daily interactions. The mood created is one of gentleness and appreciation, urging readers to slow down and observe the kindness that surrounds them. There is a sense of quiet optimism throughout the poem—a belief that small acts of care can create a ripple effect, making the world feel more connected and compassionate.
Poetic Devices in Small Kindnesses
Laméris makes effective use of several poetic devices that enhance the poem’s emotional impact:
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Imagery: The poem uses vivid, sensory-rich images to bring the abstract concept of kindness to life. For example, Laméris describes “the moment when someone holds the door open,” which allows the reader to imagine the simple but meaningful gesture.
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Enjambment: The lines of the poem flow into one another without a break, creating a sense of movement and continuity. This mirrors the way kindness can move from one person to another in an unbroken chain, connecting individuals and building community.
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Allusion: The poem alludes to larger cultural and social issues, implying that small kindnesses can offer a counterbalance to the negativity and chaos often found in the world. Laméris subtly suggests that while we cannot always change the world, we can still contribute positively through simple acts of care.
Structure of the Poem
Small Kindnesses is composed of several short stanzas, each focusing on a different small act of kindness. The poem’s structure mirrors its theme—just as kindness is often delivered in brief, simple moments, the poem is concise, with each stanza offering a snapshot of human interaction. This fragmented structure allows the poem to focus on various individual acts of kindness, showing their collective importance.
Central Message
Laméris’ message is clear: small kindnesses, though fleeting, hold great power. They are reminders of our shared humanity and the potential we have to improve the lives of others, even in the smallest ways. The poem encourages readers to be mindful of these gestures, recognizing that, when added together, they can form a larger tapestry of goodwill.
Why This Poem Resonates
Small Kindnesses resonates because it speaks to a universal truth: kindness is not always loud or dramatic. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, it reminds us that even the simplest act—whether it’s a quiet smile or a shared word of comfort—can make a difference. Laméris doesn’t ask for grand changes, but rather encourages us to be present and aware of the smaller, everyday moments that hold immense significance.
Conclusion
Danusha Laméris’ Small Kindnesses invites readers to reflect on the quiet, often unnoticed acts of compassion that occur daily. The poem’s simple yet powerful message is a call to recognize the importance of these moments in our lives. By celebrating small gestures of kindness, Laméris reminds us that even the most modest acts can have a lasting impact, making the world a more connected and compassionate place. Through her evocative language and imagery, she shows us that kindness, in its smallest form, is both a gift and a force for good.
