Mindless Utterings

By Ben Fetterman

That comment tossed out
In a moment of absent-mindedness
We’ve all said them,
We’ve all heard them.
Most people don’t pay much attention to either side.
But when you listen for them,
Pay attention for them,
They reveal so much.
A glimpse into their mind,
A moment of accidental vulnerability.
While not remembered often by the utterer,
Their impact on the listener, though,
Can be dramatic.
As it often reveals
The inner monologue the speaker has
About what they are actually thinking.
And confirm the fears,
Or hopes,
Of those who pay enough attention
To pick out this mindless slip
From the sugar coated statements
Hiding this gem of truth.