Promises
Promises kept or broken
Which one would you choose?
It’s easy to choose between
Satisfaction that a promise kept brought
Rather than a
Heart shattered over a broken one.
Why get so fixated on promises anyway?
Promises are sometimes built on wishful thinking
On hope for a better future.
All is well if things work out
The way they are supposed to
But what if they don’t?
A promise unkept tarnishes one’s image
In the deepest way
Somehow we forget that we are all human
That life can change us and that promise
Made in good faith earlier
Doesn’t hold the same weight
What do we do then?
Never make promises to others
Since we are afraid we might fail to uphold them?
What about promises made to ourselves?
How do we move through life
Without the multitude of promises
We make to ourselves after every
Obstacle, heartache and disappointment?
It’s our defense mechanism
Our shield against future suffering and
The light that keeps us moving forward
With the hope that buoys us in dark times
So hold on to promises and make them count
Whether for friends, loved ones or yourself,
They will carry you through.
Nabanita, I appreciated the compassion and realism with which you approached the idea of promises here. The line “life can change us and that promise made in good faith earlier doesn’t hold the same weight” acknowledges something difficult but deeply human: people often make promises sincerely, even when life later reshapes their capacity, understanding, or direction. I also thought the movement toward promises made to ourselves gave the piece emotional depth, because those quiet internal commitments are often what help people survive disappointment, grief, and uncertainty without fully surrendering hope. Grateful for the thoughtfulness, honesty, and emotional gentleness woven throughout this reflection.
This is such a gentle and honest reflection on the complicated nature of promises. I love how you capture both the hope and the vulnerability that come with making them, whether to others or to ourselves.