“What makes you great?” This prompt inspired this poem because when I thought about my “greatness” I know it is in my ability to love, give, and forgive. Greatness? No, but I try.


And Leaves It There

Imagine a mother,
young, first-born screaming,
fear rising as the cries catch fire,
pacing the room,
humming, bouncing, patting,
on repeat
all through the night,
and as morning comes,
so does the stillness.
The infant rests.
She cries,
her day goes on.

Imagine a wife,
in love, husband caught cheating,
confusion rising as the walls begin to crumble,
pacing the room,
praying, screaming, arguing
on repeat,
replaying in her mind,
and as he opens the door,
she stops.
He is home.
She cries,
her life reshapes.

Imagine a woman,
grown old, years of living,
weight rising as the doubts take hold,
pacing her life,
giving, forgiving, enduring
on repeat,
counting the ways
she never felt enough,
and as the quiet settles,
so does the knowing.
She gave everything.
She cries,
and leaves it there.



Poetry by Melinda K Zarate The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 114 times
Written on 2026-03-17 at 20:40

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Alan J Ripley The PoetBay support member heart!
I found your poem very emotive
It's very easy to lose oneself in this way.
Even when you're surrounded by people
Regards Alan
2026-03-18


Griffonner The PoetBay support member heart!
A really powerful emotive and thought provoking poem, Melinda.
I look at myself and realistically conclude that other than the divinely granted individuality I was created with, I myself have no greatness. I have come to accept myself for the very imperfect person I am. At 82 that can be a very sobering thought if One ever thinks One has any form of greatness. :(
Blessings and brotherly love, Allen
2026-03-18


jim The PoetBay support member heart!
I'm beginning to realize, in my own life, surviving is greatness in itself.

This is such a good poem, I can't stop rereading it, imagining the scenes and emotions.
2026-03-18