A Dark Easter in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean - By M.W.Z. Finusiya

Written By: M.W.Z. Finusiya

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In a poignant exploration of sorrow and tragedy, M.W.Z. Finusiya presents "A Dark Easter in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean" for the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Within this powerful poem, Finusiya delves into a moment of profound loss and its lingering impact, encapsulating the somber themes of unexpected violence and its aftermath. As a participant in this prestigious competition, Finusiya's work stands as a testament to the emotional depth and literary craft celebrated by Hashtag Kalakar.

About the Work

"A Dark Easter in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean" captures the haunting reality of a tragic event through vivid imagery and a somber tone. The poem's narrative unfolds with a juxtaposition of hope and despair, as it reflects on a day intended for celebration that turned into a nightmare. Finusiya masterfully uses stark contrasts and powerful symbolism to evoke a sense of helplessness and mourning, inviting readers to reflect on the fragility of life and the senselessness of violence.

A Dark Easter in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Original Submission by M.W.Z. Finusiya

Global Poetry & Creative Writing Competition

Poetry

A Dark Easter in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Catholics adorned in their finest outfits,

set off to commemorate

the death of Jesus Christ.

People overseas, filled with hope,

set off towards the feast—

breakfast, laughter, celebration—

all set to paint the town red,

unaware

that it was their blood

that would paint the town,

and not joy.

If they had known

that the best place to communicate with God

would become the worst place to visit that day,

we would not have mourned

thousands today.

Ticktock went,

the clock,

and we never knew

it was the countdown

to tear us apart

and cast us all

into a pool of sorrow.

BOOM!!!!

People looked up,

eyes and ears closed,

only to see lightning

tear across the earth.

Black smoke filled the sky,

telling the world

that this was a day of darkness.

The tower built years ago

was turned to rubble

in the blink of an eye,

swallowing hundreds of believers

and hungry families at their tables.

In the blink of a second,

before they could even understand

what had happened,

the surroundings burned to ashes.

Mothers, fathers, children, siblings—

running in all directions.

Legs, hands, heads,

scattered everywhere,

lying in pools of blood

shed by innocent people

for causes

unknown to them at all.

One, two, three—

explosions went off,

one after another,

with no time to stop

and stare,

until the whole world

turned its eyes

towards the sorrowful

Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Each minute passed with prayers,

prayers to hear

no more explosions,

no more cries,

no more death.

Calls from well-wishers

trying to secure

the safety of their loved ones,

while the network signals

too seemed to be fighting

their own battle.

Black smoke filled the sky.

Cries and tears filled the land

as the world watched

such a scene.

Oh my!

Burnt bodies, souls leaving,

injured eyes, still carrying,

over thousands of dreams.

Smiling eyes

turned into painful eyes

by noon.

He ran through every nook and corner,

wondering where his family was.

Alas!

He found them.

But—

he was an orphan by then.

She saw beautiful colours at dawn,

only to see darkness at dusk.

He, who once tossed his head

to the rhythm of humming tunes,

now sensed

a dead silence—no voice around.

Oh, you!

How could you afford

to be so cold-blooded?

How could you kill yourself

while taking hundreds

of divine lives with you?

Anger, hatred, horror—

What filled your heart?

Why couldn't kindness

take its place?

If you had conquered

the hatred within yourself,

you too could have been

one of the brotherhood,

living hand in hand,

and not become

the cause of a curse

upon all loving hearts.

M.W.Z Finusiya

(finusiya95@gmail.com)

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform that celebrates a diverse range of voices in the literary arts. This competition seeks to uncover and honor the creativity and passion of writers from around the world, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their work to a global audience. Participants are encouraged to explore themes of personal, social, and universal significance, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to M.W.Z. Finusiya for sharing the evocative poem "A Dark Easter in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poignant words and insightful reflections resonate deeply, offering a profound commentary on loss and resilience. We appreciate your contribution to this literary journey and the impact it leaves on all who read it.

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.