A glance that lasted a lifetime - By Navyata Tripathi

Written By: Navyata Tripathi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Navyata Tripathi presents her evocative poem, "A glance that lasted a lifetime." This poetry submission delves into the profound and timeless connections that can occur with just a single glance. Navyata's work is part of the poetry category, reflecting on themes of love, memory, and the mysterious ways souls recognize each other. Her words invite readers to ponder those fleeting moments that feel as though they've been etched into eternity.

About the Work

Navyata Tripathi's poem captures the essence of a momentary connection that transcends time. The work is imbued with a sense of nostalgia and longing, wrapped in vivid imagery and a contemplative mood. The poet skillfully uses metaphors and vivid language to portray the depth of emotions experienced in a mere instant. The poem is a poignant meditation on the power of an unspoken bond and the stories that remain unwritten.

A glance that lasted a lifetime

Original Submission by Navyata Tripathi

A glance that lasted a lifetime

Sometimes, it takes just one glance

A fleeting collision of eyes

That feels older than time itself.

Like the universe stopped spinning

Just to let you recognize a soul

You never remembered meeting.

In that moment,

The air forgets how to move,

And silence hums louder than thunder.

Every heartbeat becomes a confession,

Every breath, a borrowed eternity.

You see a life in that stare

A thousand unspoken maybes,

A shared laughter that never happened,

Hands that almost held,

Promises that never learned your name.

It’s cruel, how much a second can hold.

Because when the glance fades,

You’re left holding echoes

Of something that never began

But still managed to end.

You walk away, but part of you stays,

Trapped in that moment,

Watching a life that could have been

Disappear into someone else’s eyes.

And maybe that’s all love ever is

Not the years or the vows,

But that one stolen instant

When the world forgot its noise,

And for a breath’s length,

You belonged to a story

Written entirely in silence.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary talent from around the world. It invites writers to share their unique voices through poetry, short stories, and essays. This prestigious competition provides a platform for both emerging and established writers to showcase their creative expressions, fostering a diverse community of artists passionate about the written word.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Navyata Tripathi for her beautiful poem, "A glance that lasted a lifetime," submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work offers a captivating glimpse into the power of singular moments, and we are grateful for her participation.

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.