# My Own Expectations #

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

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21 replies

  1. 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

    Liked by 2 people

    • 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.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. 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. 🌹🌹🌹

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you so much for your thoughtful and heartfelt response. 🌹🙏

      I am deeply touched that those particular lines resonated with you. “We build homes in people who were only passing storms” and “watering dead flowers with loyalty” were born from reflections on attachment, hope, and the lessons we learn when life doesn’t unfold as we expect.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. A beautifully honest and deeply relatable poem Verma ji. 🤍✨The line “We build homes in people who were only passing storms” is especially powerful so much wisdom and heartbreak captured in just a few words. I also loved the gentle realization that sometimes our greatest wounds come not from others, but from the expectations we quietly carry.✨
    This piece doesn’t just speak about pain; it speaks about healing, self-awareness, and the courage to turn love inward. A touching reminder that self-love is not selfish it is the foundation from which all healthy love grows. 💙✨

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you so much for your beautiful and thoughtful words. 🤍🙏

      I am truly touched that the poem resonated with you on such a deep level. Your interpretation of the line about “building homes in people who were only passing storms” captures exactly the emotion behind it. Sometimes our hearts invest permanence in what was only meant to be a passing season, and the lessons that follow can be both painful and transformative.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Your post highlights this beautiful message of self love – loud and clear as it makes me understand the point that ” A person needs to fill his own cup before filling others as one cannot pour from an empty cup “.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much for your thoughtful interpretation. You captured the heart of the message perfectly. We often focus on caring for others and forget that we, too, need kindness, rest, and compassion. As you beautifully said, we cannot pour from an empty cup.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. We water dead flowers
    with loyalty,
    hoping love will bloom again.

    Taking the metaphor backwards
    I had a plant that was just a little knob
    I nurtured it back to life
    It grew to be 8 feet tall

    And to nix a metaphor

    But we stayed together for the kids

    Liked by 2 people

    • What a thoughtful perspective.
      Sometimes the metaphor does work in reverse—occasionally, with patience, care, and the right conditions,
      something that appears lost can indeed come back to life, just as your little plant grew into something remarkable.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I love this! It’s written with such deep thought.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you so much! Your kind words mean a lot to me.
      I’m delighted that the thoughts and emotions behind the piece resonated with you. Sometimes the deepest reflections come from life’s simplest moments, and I’m grateful that you connected with them. Thanks for reading and for your wonderful encouragement. ❤️

      Like

  7. Beautifully written poem of self love! ❤️

    Self love is truly an important part of your life. Love yourself first, so you can genuinely be happy for others. Self love means truly valuing your own being.

    Liked by 2 people

  8. very nice .

    Liked by 2 people

  9. This is a sad poem but also when we can relate to, Vijay. My favorite verse:

    “Because sometimes
    we build homes in people
    who were only passing storms.
    We water dead flowers
    with loyalty,
    hoping love will bloom again.

    Liked by 1 person

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