An introspective poem about turning inward after years of self-neglect. It speaks of regret, forgiveness, and the courage to reclaim forgotten dreams.
Through gentle honesty, the poem reflects the moment one chooses authenticity over approval and begins healing by walking forward in truth.
# I Walk with Me #
After so long—
today I pause.
Staring at the mirror,
it doesn’t judge—
it reminds me.
Of all the times I smiled
while leaving my pain behind.
I burned my own dreams quietly,
so no one else would smell the smoke.
But today—
I turn back.
I say my name
like it truly matters.
I whisper to myself,
I’m sorry, life,
for choosing peace
that cost me myself.
I confess.
This road will hurt.
But it finally feels honest.
And for the first time—
I walk with me.
(Vijay Verma)
www.retiredkalam.com
Categories: kavita
Retiredकलम 
Beautiful poem! Most of the times honesty hurts in the beginning, but it can save us from future burdens! The way you describe this internal process of self-realization is wonderful! Have a nice easy-going day!
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Thank you so much for this thoughtful note. You’re absolutely right—honesty can sting at first, but it clears the path in a way nothing else can. I’m really glad the inner journey resonated with you, because that quiet moment of self-realization is often where true freedom begins.
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Beautiful poem, A mirror that heals, not judges. This poem stays with you long after reading ✨
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Thank you so much. That means a lot to me.
I love how you put it—a mirror that heals, not judges—that’s exactly the spirit I hoped would linger.
I’m really grateful it stayed with you ✨
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Beautiful poem actually at certain points of life we choose peace. Well shared
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Thank you—beautifully said. Yes, there comes a time when peace stops being a compromise and becomes a conscious choice.
I’m glad the poem resonated with you and reflected that quiet turning point.
I truly appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
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🙏
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Thanks again and good evening.
Have a restful night.
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🙏
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Thank you so much.
Stay happy and blessed.
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🙏
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Good evening.
Have a sparkling evening to enjoy.
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A good, thoughtful poem. I clicked the “Like” button only to receive a message that the “Link” had expired. I do read your material, though ususally only a couple of times a week, and then a group. I used the “Like” button rather than commenting on each of your post. Please know I am reading you and appreciate what you post even when you don’t hear from me.
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Thank you so much for letting me know—and truly, for taking the time to read. That means more than any button ever could.
Likes come and go, links expire, but knowing the words are landing somewhere thoughtful and being carried with you is the real gift.
I appreciate your steady presence and the quiet way you engage.
Please never feel any obligation to comment—your reading is already enough.
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very nice .
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Thank you so much.
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Thoughtful and reflective. This simple poem resonates with not only myself but many. There are many times in our lives where we are forced to look at the mirror of our soul and make a choice. That choice being, suffer the pains of growth or suffer the pains of remaining stagnant. You beautifully captured the hardship and that sense of grief when facing this decision. However, you showed that you can continue thriving and learning with grace and maturity. A beautiful and personal poem.
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Thank you so much for this deeply generous reflection. You understood the heart of the poem exactly as it was meant—to sit in that quiet, uncomfortable space where growth asks something of us. I’m especially moved by how you described the choice between the pain of growth and the pain of stagnation; that tension is where the poem was born. Your words affirm that the grief, the grace, and the becoming were felt, and that means more than I can say. I truly appreciate you taking the time to meet the poem with such openness and care.
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I love this, it’s so intimately reflective and a reminder to pause and look in the mirror often.
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Thank you so much—that really means a lot.
I’m glad it resonated and offered that quiet nudge to pause and reflect.
Those moments with the mirror can be surprisingly powerful. 🙏✨
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Choosing ourselves and walk with it– a beautiful message to every reader. Lovely poem, Verma
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Thank you so much for these kind words. I’m really glad the message resonated with you—choosing ourselves is often the hardest, yet most honest, path. Your encouragement means a lot to me. 🙏
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