4am - By Amy Lalouette

Written By: Amy Lalouette

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Amy Lalouette, also known by her writing name "4am," presents a compelling piece titled "4am" in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative work delves deep into the emotional labyrinth of worry, resentment, and guilt, exploring the impact of personal crises on the human spirit. Through her poignant writing, Amy invites readers into a world of introspection and emotional resilience.

About the Work

"4am" captures the haunting quiet of early morning hours when introspection and raw emotions collide. Amy Lalouette paints a vivid picture of familial struggle, revealing the complex layers of human emotion. The poem's tone is both reflective and urgent, as it navigates the burdens of worry and guilt while grappling with the inevitable necessity of facing uncomfortable truths.

4am

Original Submission by Amy Lalouette

4am

Lucy’s in hospital again.

The medicine cabinet should have been locked this time.

Another heavy chain draped over our already burdened shoulders.

A threefold weight of worry, resentment, guilt.

And deep in the gut-churning epiphany of 4am,

the knowledge of what needs to be done

looms ugly in the corner.

Finding the conviction to stir up

the filth and muck of anger

and bias

and interference.

The talks; the accusations; the planning for “what if”.

The unspeakable –

who is looking after the children?

And so starts the roundabout with no end –

resentment and

then guilt and

then worry

and then…

And 4am stretches on

for days

and nights.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating creativity and expression in the literary arts. This competition provides a platform for writers to share their voices and explore diverse themes through poetry and creative writing.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Amy Lalouette for sharing her powerful poem "4am" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work offers profound insights into the human condition, resonating with readers on a personal level. We look forward to seeing more of her poignant writing in the future.

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.