ALS NaPoWriMo Day 8: Write a poem about the aftermath of an argument/ war/ a panic attack/ a break-up/ the best news of your life.
Poem: I Walk Away
Your words were bitter
Mine–hurtful
You attacked
I defended
You abused
I reacted
You were wounded
I was shattered
You forgot I loved you
I forgot you cared for me
We both were broken
We both felt like victims
We both were manipulating
We both wanted sympathy
We both bled internally
We both lacked empathy
We both mirrored our pain
We both expressed it differently
We both blamed each other
We both were trapped in the puzzle
We both are now regretful
We both are still hurting
We both are dominated by pride
We both are awaiting an apology
We both replay those moments
We both wish for another chance
We both are still hurting
But we both are dominated by pride
Forgiveness and apology
Offer another chance
Reaction never resolves
Anger needs a thoughtful response
A moment of pause to silence the mind
To step away a little to calm the storm
To reclaim control from the whirlwind of rage
Empathy to comprehend others’ state of mind
The moment passed
But scars remain
I’ve learned my lesson
From reacting, I refrain
I distance myself from the outburst that plays
From the fumes of fury, I walk far away
I retreat a little to regain my balance
I take some time to assess my emotions
I observe, I acknowledge
I comprehend, I assimilate
I empathise sans perceptions
I wait for my reaction to melt away
©Vandana Bhasin
08.04.2026

Wow Vandana Ji, it portrays beautifully the perspective of both the parties involved in a conflict. Wonderful how you use words to express complex human emotions
Thank you so much Bhawna for your kind words. So glad that it resonated with you.
Beautiful…Heart felt…Thank you
Thank you so much Bimal ji. Grateful
So full of insight of conflict and role of pride in our response or to react. Process of growth perfectly depicted.
Perfect example of self love and acceptance while we are on path of learning lessons.
Beautiful
Life is truly full of such extremes, but we all learn along the way.
I am happy you liked the perspective, and it brought some light to your thinking process.
Thank you for sharing your views and for the lovely feedback.