Notes About The Poem

Entered Broken Promises Contest Sponsored by Silent One

A Promise to myself

The greatest disappointment from broken promises in life I have endured
were the promises I often made to me
Smoking just one example for several years I vowed to refrain
regular three month stints of abstinence once eighteen months
FINALLY! At age of twenty six from this nicotine addiction I had broken free

From thereon, gained strength and now have have conviction
any vow to myself I could confidently keep
I had gained self love and self respect
searched within my soul  whilst delving deep

I cannot a recall a broken promise  
from any family or friend
Business deals yes. Most promises broken political pre-election
once elected that's where these empty promises all end

For this reason I have abstained from voting
which is compulsory in this country where I dwell
Never had much faith in government oppressors 
or the propaganda messages they sell

Have I always kept a promise to all I've come to know?
Probably not. Too many years of living I am unable to recall
I now have conviction arising from self love
to assist others in need, follow through give my very all
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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One Avatar
July 7, 2026 at 1:51 PM
Temptations is always difficult and will power can suffer.. thank you for sharing a part of your story... it can take a lot to show vulnerability, so I applaud you for doing it... Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
bard Avatar
July 7, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Good ay Silent One thankyou for your response Blessings Douglas
M  Avatar
July 6, 2026 at 6:21 AM
Broken promises to me…l have a few! Glad you quit smoking Douglas…nice write…Debx
bard Avatar
July 6, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Thank you Deb
George Avatar
July 4, 2026 at 5:15 AM
So glad, you could finally keep your promise to yourself that you won't smoke. Though you had initial difficulty, you finally succeeded. What you said about the promise of politicians is cent percent right. They make promises just before elections. Once they come into power, they break them. Only with self love, one can love others... totally agree with your contentions.
bard Avatar
July 4, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Good day Valsa Thank you for your support blessings Douglas
Kendrick Avatar
June 26, 2026 at 4:55 AM
I must commend you for stopping smoking and staying with it until you broke free and have stayed. Yes, we have to love ourselves in the proper way and in the proper amount to be able to love others as we should. I enjoyed reading this one. We all know when politicians say that they will do something that it probably won't happen because it takes a whole lot more than what one person can do to get something passed into law or into change. Thank you for sharing this one with us. Sara K.
bard Avatar
July 4, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Good day Sandra Sorry for the delayed response. Thank you for your comments . Blessings Douglas
Smith  Avatar
June 25, 2026 at 10:21 PM
Nice view of breaking free from broken promises.
bard Avatar
June 26, 2026 at 1:40 AM
Good day Alison I made a vow when I joined soup that I would always respond to the encouragement I received I always appreciate your comments Blessings Douglas
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