A poem about the hidden struggles we hide behind our smiles, expressing the loneliness of unspoken pain and the quiet strength needed to keep going when others don’t see our inner storms.
# The Storm Behind My Smile #
There were years
when I carried entire storms
behind a simple smile.
No one heard the thunder.
No one saw
the broken branches
scattered across my heart.
I became skilled
at saying,
“I’m fine,”
while quietly gathering
the pieces of myself
from places
where life had shattered them.
Pain sat beside me,
uninvited but faithful,
waiting for the silence
to tell its story.
A story of my journey.
www.retiredkalam.com
Categories: kavita
Retiredकलम 
very nice .
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Thank you so much.
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Poignant.
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Thank you so much for your kind words.
I’m truly grateful that you found the poem poignant. Poetry often gives voice to the emotions and experiences that are difficult to express in everyday words. If these verses touched your heart or stirred a meaningful reflection, then they have fulfilled their purpose.
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My wife still hates it when I respond to her question “How Are You” with Fine. She heard this response during my many stressful career years and she did not believe it then. Those who love you know when the smile and the words are real. Have a great day. Allan
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Thank you, Allan. Your wife sounds wonderfully perceptive. Those who truly love us often see beyond the words we speak and recognize what our hearts are trying to hide.
For many of us, saying “I’m fine” becomes a habit during stressful times, even when it isn’t entirely true. Genuine relationships remind us that it’s okay to be honest and vulnerable with those who care about us.
Thank you for sharing this heartfelt insight. Wishing you and your wife many joyful conversations—and a truly great day! 😊
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A very evocative poem Vijay
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful words.
I’m truly grateful that you found the poem evocative. My hope was to capture emotions that often remain unspoken, and it means a great deal to know they resonated with you. Your encouragement inspires me to keep writing from the heart.
Thank you for reading and for your kind support. Wishing you peace, joy, and continued inspiration. 🙏🌹
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You’re most welcome my friend 🙏🏼
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Good morning.
Have a nice day.
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🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
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Stay happy and blessed.
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Very poignant poem!
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Thank you so much for your kind words.
I’m truly grateful that the poem resonated with you. It was written straight from the heart, and knowing it touched yours makes every word worthwhile. Your encouragement means a great deal to me.
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You’re very welcome. It’s always a pleasure. 🙏🏼
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Thank you so much!
Your kindness and encouragement truly mean a lot to me.
It’s always a pleasure to connect with thoughtful readers like you.
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You’re very welcome. 🙏🏼
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Thank you so much. 🙏🏼😊
Your kindness and encouragement are always deeply appreciated.
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Thank you once again! 🙏🏼😊
Your kindness and thoughtful support are always appreciated.
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I believe it is then we understand our true strength and we become resilient when we walk along this path of pain and suffering alone and we wear a facade by saying “I am fine ” when in reality at times we are not . But then it is in this time we come to know who are our true ones and will stand by our side no matter what . Thank you for posting such thoughtful realizations .
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Thank you so much for your heartfelt reflection. 🙏
I couldn’t agree more. Difficult times have a way of revealing both our inner strength and the people who truly stand beside us. So often we wear a smile and say, “I’m fine,” while quietly carrying burdens that others cannot see. Yet those very moments shape our resilience and deepen our appreciation for genuine love and support.
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Pleasure is all mine 🙏
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A powerful theme that speaks to the silent battles many people carry. It beautifully captures the contrast between outward smiles and inner struggles, while honoring the quiet resilience it takes to keep going despite unseen pain.
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful and compassionate reflection. 🙏😊
I’m deeply touched that you connected with the heart of the message. So many people carry burdens that remain unseen, and yet they continue to move forward with remarkable courage. I hoped the piece would acknowledge that quiet resilience while reminding us to approach one another with greater kindness and understanding.
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