This poem reflects the quiet, ongoing journey of self-discovery. It explores the courage to face uncertainty, embrace change, and recognize the hidden strength within. Through reflection, small revelations, and creative expression, it celebrates the process of becoming one’s true self—one step at a time.
“I Am Discovering Me”
I walked a road I’d never planned,
With open heart and trembling hand.
No map to guide, no rules to see,
Just quiet questions calling me.
I thought I knew just who I was,
Defined by work, by roles, because—
Life asked me once to slow my pace,
And look myself straight in the face.
In silent hours, thoughts’ colors spoke,
A hidden spark inside me woke.
A simple line, a playful form,
A burst of joy, a gentle storm.
Each step I took, each fear I faced,
Revealed a strength I had misplaced.
Not loud, not proud, but calm and true,
A self I slowly, deeply knew.
This journey isn’t fast but unknown,
It winds through hope, through grown.
Yet every turn has helped me see
The many ways I’m meant to be.
I am not fixed; I grow, I change,
My dreams expand, my thoughts rearrange.
And in this walk, both brave and free,
I found myself—discovering me.
(Vijay Verma)
www.retiredkalam.com
Categories: kavita
Retiredकलम 
What a profoundly beautiful and moving poem, Verma ji. “I Am Discovering Me” truly captures the essence of the inner journey with such gentle clarity and courage. The imagery of walking an unplanned road with a “trembling hand” yet an “open heart” is so relatable and powerful.
You have articulated the quiet revolution of self-discovery—the slowing down, the facing of oneself, the awakening of a “hidden spark” through creativity. The lines “Not loud, not proud, but calm and true, / A self I slowly, deeply knew.” resonate deeply, reminding us that true strength is often a quiet, patient revelation.
This isn’t just a poem; it’s a companion for anyone on the path to themselves. It celebrates the permission to grow, to change, and to find wholeness in the very process of becoming. Thank you for sharing this gift of introspection and hope. It’s a beautiful reminder that the journey itself, however unknown, is where we truly find ourselves.
With warm appreciation,
Srikanth
LikeLiked by 3 people
Dear Srikanth,
Thank you for reading the poem with such attentiveness and generosity. Your words feel like a quiet echo of the very journey the poem is trying to trace. I’m deeply moved by the way you noticed the trembling, the slowness, and the calm courage—those are the spaces where the poem was truly written.
“I Am Discovering Me” came from accepting that becoming is not a loud event, but a patient unfolding. To know that it resonated with you, and that you found companionship in it, is more than any poet can hope for. When a poem is received with this kind of care, it no longer belongs only to the writer—it becomes shared ground.
Thank you for walking a few steps of that unplanned road alongside me, and for reflecting its meaning back with such clarity and warmth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful poem…I love the line about being not fixed.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much—your words truly mean a lot.
That line about not being fixed comes from a deep belief that staying open, unfinished, and vulnerable is where honesty lives. I’m really glad it resonated with you. When a reader notices that, it feels like the poem has found its right place.
LikeLiked by 2 people
very nice .
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much.
LikeLike
So much joy in reading this, it’s like watching a child on a merry go round. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s such a lovely way to put it 🙂
Thank you for reading it with that kind of joy and lightness—it truly means a lot. I’m glad it brought a smile and that sense of simple wonder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh this felt so soft, honest, and real to read 😊 It’s like you captured that quiet journey where we don’t shout about becoming better, we just slowly learn ourselves… one step, one thought, one brave moment at a time, without rushing growth or glorify struggle, just showed the gentle courage of looking inward and actually listening.
Beautifully written and deeply relatable 🤍
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for reading it with such care 😊 Y
our words mean a lot. I love how you described it—gentle courage and quiet learning—because that’s exactly the space it came from. Growth doesn’t always need noise or drama; sometimes it’s just honesty, patience, and the willingness to listen inward. I’m really glad it resonated with you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Always a pleasure reading your posts and stories, Verma ☺️👏
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much ☺️ That truly means a lot to me. I’m really grateful for your continued support and thoughtful presence—always a pleasure sharing these words with you. 👏
LikeLiked by 2 people
No map to guide, no rules to see
Busy morning but this line resonates as we use our GPS to drive to gas station down the street.
Getting lost is part of the adventure
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that connection 😊
Even with GPS guiding every turn, that line still holds—because the real journey isn’t always about directions.
Getting a little lost, even in familiar places, reminds us to stay curious and open.
You’re right… sometimes the adventure begins exactly where the map stops.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful poem on a reflection of self-discovery! 😊 This was my favorite part, as I find it very relatable.
“I thought I knew just who I was,
Defined by work, by roles, because—
Life asked me once to slow my pace,
And look myself straight in the face.”
It just goes to show that no matter our age—we will often find a moment in our life journey where we are looking within and rediscovering ourselves.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much 😊
I’m really touched that those lines resonated with you. You’re so right—self-discovery doesn’t belong to any one age or stage.
Life has a way of asking us to pause, look inward, and meet ourselves again, often when we least expect it.
I’m grateful you connected with that moment in the poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A good explanation of life after retirement. Now there is time to try all those things we never had time for before. It is good to try new things, even some outside our comfort zone. Keep discovering. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Allan. I really appreciate your thoughtful reflection.
You’re absolutely right—retirement opens up space for curiosity, exploration, and rediscovering parts of ourselves that were put on hold.
Trying new things, especially beyond our comfort zones, keeps life engaging and meaningful.
Keep discovering is a wonderful way to put it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful Poem. Well said. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I’m glad it resonated with you. 😄 Poetry has a way of saying what words alone sometimes can’t.
LikeLiked by 1 person