2:44 A.M - By Cosmin Petriea

Written By: Cosmin Petriea

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Welcome to a world of introspection and surreal imagery in "2:44 A.M," a poem by Cosmin Petriea, known by the writing name Grey #c1bfb1. As part of the Poetry category in the prestigious Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece invites readers on a journey through the depths of emotion and self-reflection. With its evocative language and haunting imagery, this work offers a unique perspective on the human condition.

About the Work

"2:44 A.M" is a hauntingly introspective piece that navigates the liminal space between night and dawn. Through vivid imagery and a surreal narrative, Cosmin Petriea paints a picture of inner turmoil and existential reflection. The poem delves into themes of identity, longing, and transformation, creating a poignant and thought-provoking experience for readers. Its style is both raw and evocative, capturing the delicate balance between vulnerability and resilience.

Grey #c1bfb1

Original Submission by Cosmin Petriea

2:44

A.M

Either late or

too early

It depends

you decide

I drank the acid

I found in

Some colorful batteries

I found them in my old

Stuffed Bonbons bunny

There were so many

Colors

Its eyes would turn red

It would sing and dance

For hours

For me

I’ve always wished it were

part of me

Truly

The acid caused

Severe pain

I am not sure what has changed

Maybe I feel the same

But who knows

I am trying to take one last sip

It is bitter and it burns my lungs

I burn like a house

Lit by the wrong match

My eyes turn red

I feel like this bunny

It did nothing wrong

To end up under my Christmas Tree

Instead of hopping

Among the cedars of Lebanon

Or

Along the Levantine Coast

Free

With his mom

That’s what I actually wanted it

To become

But I chose to make it sing

And dance

I am far from being any

cute hue of pink or any other

color that makes me think

of a warm evening in the Summer

of 2007

drowning in the sands of

The Mediterranean Sea in Italy

I am not like any stuffed animal

That cries for its mom

In the plastic fields of human nature

Singing and dancing

Like a swan

That lost whoever it’s always loved

Singing and dancing

frantically

Until the last sip of acid

Caused by the gallbladder

made it take a bow and

fall in the depths of a nameless lake

We’ll never know this story

We’ll never be aware and we’ll never care

I am a battery that creates its own

Acid

That spills over “The Magic Mountain”

I vomit over page 283

I cause storms in my

Lymphatic System

Letters melt and I start to

Sing and dance

I’m doing pirouettes like a Swan

until I throw everything out

Thymus, nodes and vessels

Spleen and tonsils,

tumors and acids

The Lymph itself, ultimately

singing and dancing

until I become nothing

I am a lost animal

Real or stuffed

With red eyes

Big and bright

Flickering

blinking and clinging

to memories I wish

could come true

clinging

Over and over

again and again

•••

3:13

A.M

I feel sick

and I don’t know who

or what

I am

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of artistic expression and literary talent from around the world. Participants submit their works across various categories, showcasing diverse voices and creative visions. The competition serves as a platform for writers and poets to share their unique perspectives with a global audience, fostering a community of creativity and inspiration.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Cosmin Petriea for sharing the evocative poem "2:44 A.M" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your work offers a profound exploration of emotion and introspection, resonating deeply with readers. We appreciate your contribution to this vibrant celebration of literary art.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.