Some people talk less.
That doesn’t mean
They hate people.

They just have
A low tolerance
For drama,
For shouting over tea,
For people who think
Loudness equals truth.

They’re not rude,
Just careful.
They’ve seen how fast
A gathering turns into gossip,
How a smile hides a knife
In too many places.

They prefer peace
Over performance.
They don’t clap for fake friends,
Don’t laugh at stupidity
Just to blend in.

They sit quiet
Because noise drains them.
They walk away
Because they’ve learned
That silence
Is safer
Than small talk wrapped in lies.

They’re not lonely.
They just value
Genuine company.

Look closer.
Maybe they’re just
Done
With nonsense.