This poem reflects a retired banker finding peace in simplicity and creativity. Through moments of quiet, coffee, and activities like writing and painting, the poet uncovers resilience and acceptance in life’s scars.
The verses show that calmness and personal growth come not from crowds, but from honesty and enjoying simple joys. The poem celebrates aging, self-discovery, and living with wisdom and gratitude.
# Simple Truths #
I am a middle-aged man, both simple and true
Coffee in my hand, each thought I renew
A few scars on my face, stories I’ve allowed
Sitting in quiet—no longing for a crowd
What most people do not see or know
Are silent storms I’ve weathered and let go
Once a banker, now retired and free
The years have softened and re-shaped me
Lessons linger, learned in gentle ways
Dreams once fierce, now soft in their blaze
I measure life in kindness, not only by plan
Content with small sparks wherever I can
New companions bloom in this gentle art:
Writing, painting, sharing from the heart
I find peace reciting verse, brushing paint on white
Lost in morning’s promise, or a lark’s sweet flight
Now my peace is brewed in simple form
Among silent dawns and evenings warm
Every scar, each wrinkle, every telling line
Marks a journey, quiet, purposeful, and fine
So if you see me steady, calm, or slow
Know there’s more than I ever show
Within each flaw, each tender trace
Lives resilience, acceptance, and grace.
(Vijay Verma)
www.retiredkalam.com
Categories: kavita
Retiredकलम 
very nice .
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Thank you so much.
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This is absolutely beautiful.Thank you for sharing this glimpse into a soul that has learned life’s most valuable lessons.🤝
The way you contrast the “silent storms” of the past with the “gentle art” of the present is so moving. It speaks of a hard-won peace that wasn’t just found, but built—forged from letting go and choosing what truly matters. The image of measuring life “in kindness, not only by plan” is a line that will stay with me; it’s a guiding principle for a life well-lived.
What shines through most powerfully is the sense of dignified, grateful acceptance. You haven’t just aged; you have deepened, like rich soil. Every scar and wrinkle is indeed a “telling line” in a story that is “purposeful, and fine.” This poem is a testament to the resilience and grace that can blossom in the second act of life, and it’s a quiet inspiration for anyone on their own journey. Truly wonderful.🤝🌷
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Thank you so much for your deeply thoughtful and heartfelt response. 🌸🤝
Your words beautifully capture the essence of what I hoped to convey — that life’s challenges, scars, and quiet struggles are not just hardships, but the very soil in which wisdom, grace, and purpose grow. Knowing that lines like “measuring life in kindness, not only by plan” resonate with you makes sharing these reflections feel truly meaningful.
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Really sir it should be learnt from you how to convert a full autobiography in a brief poetry.
It should be learnt from you how to give a rhythmic touch to long , mundane and mere english words.
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That’s so kind of you to say — thank you truly! 🙏 Poetry, to me, is just life retold in fewer words but deeper feelings. I’m grateful my verses could reflect that for you.
Your appreciation means a lot and inspires me to keep writing with heart. 🌷✨
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