Sometimes the deepest conversations happen in silence, when the world is still and the heart finally speaks.
This poem reflects the quiet pain of loving too deeply, expecting too much, and slowly learning that self-love must come before seeking love from others.
My Own Expectations
When silence sits beside me,
I hear my own heart speak—
not through loud confessions,
but through quiet cracks
only loneliness can hear.
“Who hurt you?”
the shadows softly asked.
And I smiled
like someone who had mastered pain,
whispering only,
“My own expectations.”
Because sometimes
we build homes in people
who were only passing storms.
We water dead flowers
with loyalty,
hoping love will bloom again.
Now I sit quietly with myself,
learning the painful art
of expecting less
and loving myself more.
(Vijay Verma)
www.retiredkalam.com
Categories: kavita
Retiredकलम 
Wise words. It is amazing how we expect so much from others who have already shown us who they are. In the end, we can not change how others act, we can only change how we react. Have a great Wednesday. Allan
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Thank you, Allan.
Those are truly wise words. We often hold on to expectations, hoping people will become who we want them to be, even when they have already shown us their true nature. Learning to adjust our reactions rather than trying to change others is one of life’s greatest lessons.
It brings peace, acceptance, and a deeper understanding of ourselves. Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday as well. Take care and stay blessed.
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A beautifully written and deeply reflective poem. The lines “We build homes in people who were only passing storms” and “watering dead flowers with loyalty” are especially powerful, capturing the quiet pain of misplaced expectations and the wisdom that often follows. The realization that our deepest wounds can arise from our own expectations is both humbling and transformative. A thoughtful reflection on self-discovery, self-love, and the courage to find peace within oneself. 🌹🌹🌹
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