Her chagrin gave me immense satisfaction. Here was the mighty, authoritative matriarch, now struggling to have her way around people. She had always held others to her exacting standards, without a thought on their personal views. She had ruled with an iron hand, with full support from the husband and sons.
The mother-in-law was now confined to bed, looked after by a nurse. She still complained, while others smiled and moved on. She looked back in time, and found nothing to connect. Power was just intoxication, others’ anger and tears just emotions. There was strategy and manipulation, but it was now outdated and outdone. What would get her joy?
Life comes full circle
burning bridges is unwise
one might need help…….
Power is ephemeral
understanding will give joy.
Haibun inspired by ronovanwrites-weekly-haiku-poetry-prompt-challenge-143
ronovanwrites.wordpress.com/2017/04/03/ronovanwrites-weekly-haiku-poetry-prompt-challenge-143-chagrinjoy/
Reena Saxena 
I love your poem. It’s very insightful and true. Narcissists are the most difficult people in the world to deal with and you’re right, the only way is to cut them out of your life. 🙂
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Powerful post. This goes for narcissist as well. You’ve covered it all. Well done. ☺☺
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Agree with tbat! The only way to beat narcissists is to cut them out of your life completely.
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