Paul Willason Poet Free verse

Broken Things

I am learning to live
with what is broken,
the things I haven't 
the power or the will
to mend. Such have
multiplied with age,
become obstacles 
I navigate around
or push to the sides
of my mind. Some
have been endowed 
with a saving charm.

A loose pale
on the front fence,
the window that no longer
opens, all the surfaces
crying out for a coat
of paint - become 
mere imperfections
added to the list
of the unimportant.
My gaze is elsewhere,
some inner point
of focus, a far off
flicker of light 
deep within.

Here too 
are broken things
a lifetime has hoarded
and remain unmended.
These are harder
to live with, navigate
around or ignore.
They come with guilt
and regret, turn toxic
when not forgiven.
I am learning to live
with what is broken,
letting go of myself.

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Jeanette Swan January 13, 2026 at 2:19 AM Wow. This is thought provoking re the external and internal broken things. At work (speech therapy) I used to like the broken toys, because the kids would always have to tell me they were broken, and that started a conversation. J :)