Alison A Smith nee Howarth Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

written 29th June, 2026 for Broken promises Poetry Contest sponsored by  Silent One 

"It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken promises." – Chief Joseph

Listen to poem:

Broken Promises

Broken promises, broken heart,
Deep within sears the pain,
I trusted your truth from the start,
Instead you tied me to the train.

Drowned in the waves of feelings chained,
Like falling leaves, I am tossed,
Washed upon the shore, colourless and drained,
Unable to reclaim myself, my freedom lost.

Now every memory feels unstable,
I played by your rules, never fair or just,
Your words now just a bitter fable,
Now my life lies in the dust.

Smile and pretend everything is normal,
Laugh so the tears are disguised,
Withdraw deep within the abnormal,
All my dreams are denied.

How do I rebuild for a future?
How can something broken remain?
Can it be healed with a suture,
Or are feelings hardened by pain?

My life is stripped of all meaning,
Each thought pulls me further away,
No comfort is found in dreaming,
As I disappear a little more every day.

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Terry Flood July 27, 2026 at 3:16 PM A bundle and a half of emotion in this, Alison. I get real tired of ‘proper moosicians’ saying AI can’t do emotions or feelings and whilst we know this, literally speaking, is a fact… it does, none the less, have a damned good stab at it and comes up with some astounding results, such as in your example here. A wonderful write. Terry Terry Flood July 27, 2026 at 4:23 PM Oops! I think you may have misunderstood my comment, Alison. I was actually highlighting the fact that when AI finds ‘emotion’ in the written lyrics, it actually does a darned good job of portraying those emotions. It’s always the go-to criticism of disgruntled musicians (who claim to hate AI) that AI can’t do that. But write it well, and AI will indeed do that. I couldn’t string two notes together on a tambourine, but AI (as with you) plays that ‘tambourine’ for me… and I love it! Genuinely enjoyed your poem and its musical interpretation. Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 27, 2026 at 4:10 PM I am no musician so I love how I get to hear my words put to music. A true musician and singer on a stage would probably put more meaning into the lines. I appreciate your comment.

Joel charvillat July 26, 2026 at 11:40 PM I read your poem with deep attention. It carries the voice of a woman in profound distress — someone who feels betrayed, emptied, and lost inside a pain that has taken away her sense of self. The imagery you use speaks of someone trying to survive, trying to hold on, trying to understand how to rebuild after being broken. I want to ask you something gently, without pressure and without assuming anything. Is this poem autobiographical, or is it a way for you to express emotions through fiction? Only answer if you feel comfortable. Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 26, 2026 at 11:56 PM Thank you Joel - your assessment I see of my poem has carried my ideas well. I will soup mail you about whether its autobiographical or just fiction.

David Crandall July 26, 2026 at 4:23 PM Nicely expressed. It feels very personal, and hurtful. Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 26, 2026 at 11:53 PM Thank you David it comes from many sources.

Curtis Johnson July 17, 2026 at 6:18 PM Wow! This is amazing. Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 18, 2026 at 12:35 AM Thank you Curtis.

Hiya Sharma July 17, 2026 at 6:44 AM "as I disappear a little more every day.." sigh.. what can I even say after reading such a heart-breaking and poignant piece.. this really feels like it has come from a very deep place.. and I resonate with this completely. The grief runs deeper.. and time is never a healed but just lets us learn to live with the pain as some wounds are too sharp to heal. I felt the ache in your palpable words, Alison. Beautifully written.. sending you light and best wishes always, lots of love ~ Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 17, 2026 at 2:45 PM Thank you so much Hiya.

Joseph P. DiMino July 17, 2026 at 5:55 AM Heartfelt honest write. I have learned not to let the past control me, each day a chance for new opportunity. Hurt runs deep...but faith is deeper and more powerful. Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 17, 2026 at 2:36 PM Thank you for your insight Joe

Victor Buhagiar July 17, 2026 at 2:11 AM Whoever sang this poem managed a wonderful, haunting voice. Well done. Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 17, 2026 at 2:35 AM The voice was created using Mureka.ai and a prompt that included haunting voice.

the barefoot bard July 16, 2026 at 11:07 PM Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 16, 2026 at 11:36 PM Thank you Douglas. the barefoot bard July 16, 2026 at 11:09 PM So much goes on in relationships behind four walls A different face in public Well written Alison Blessings Douglas

Karen Jones July 16, 2026 at 4:18 PM Hauntingly beautiful. Did you sing it? I wrote and sang my song Because You Drink & Drive on my page without any AI. This is really good writing Alison! Congratulations! Karen Jones July 16, 2026 at 6:28 PM Okay either way I enjoyed! Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 16, 2026 at 4:42 PM Thank you Karen. Unfortunately I am not a singer. I used mureka.ai

Sotto Poet July 8, 2026 at 12:57 PM Heartfelt grief is a highly common consequence of unkept promises. Congratulations on your exceptional poem's placement in the contest. Alicia Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 8, 2026 at 2:44 PM Thank you Sotto Poet your comments arecappreciated

Paula Goldsmith July 8, 2026 at 12:29 PM Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your "Broken Promises" write. What a great ending... Have a blessed day with your win.......... Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 8, 2026 at 2:44 PM Thank you Paula

Silent One July 7, 2026 at 2:14 PM Nice rhymes Alison.. There are many broken things in this existence.. but broken promises seem to hurt the most.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest.. Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 7, 2026 at 2:33 PM Thank you Silent One for the contest and judging.

Ryan Archer July 4, 2026 at 2:35 PM Oh my... I'm speechless, this conveys quite a lot of things I try to say in my stuff. You are an inspiration. <3 Cheers, I hope all is well! Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 4, 2026 at 3:41 PM Just let your heart control your pen. If you need something to read try Silently I SCREAM.

Jessica Renee Dawson July 3, 2026 at 1:21 PM Alison, your poem shares the kind of beautiful sadness I hold tucked away in my heart... Thank you for sharing! The accompanying music with powerful vocals is incredibly moving and draws me in - Many blessings to you! Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 3, 2026 at 4:14 PM Thank you Jessica, may you feel comfort from my words.

Howard Kerr June 30, 2026 at 1:53 AM Hi Alison, You have composed an honest heartfelt emotional work on disappointment. Excellent narrative and image-rich too. Thank you so much for your comment on In Another World. Howard Alison A Smith nee Howarth June 30, 2026 at 2:01 AM Thank you Howard for coming to comment

Joe Maverick June 29, 2026 at 10:47 PM I guess you address government benevolence and media concern here Alison ? Among other tainted virtues may i add.? God bless.) Alison A Smith nee Howarth June 29, 2026 at 10:51 PM It runs both internally and in the wider picture for the reader to see.

Joanna Daniel June 29, 2026 at 3:08 AM "As I disappear a little every day" - what a beautiful ending to another lovely poem:) Alison A Smith nee Howarth June 29, 2026 at 4:22 AM Thank you Joanna - these poems i have been working on for a few days.

Paige Hind June 28, 2026 at 10:41 PM very emotive write, the end is very telling Alison A Smith nee Howarth June 28, 2026 at 10:47 PM It was actually way more dark to start with.