A Sailor's Lament - By Kyla Bragais

Written By: Kyla Bragais

Category: Flash Fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Kyla Bragais presents "A Sailor's Lament," a captivating piece in the Flash Fiction category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative work delves into the mysterious and enchanting realms of the sea, capturing the heart of a sailor ensnared by the magnetic pull of a siren's call. Through vivid imagery and poignant prose, Bragais invites readers to explore themes of longing, the allure of the unknown, and the complexities of love that defy the natural order.

About the Work

"A Sailor's Lament" weaves a tale of intense yearning and unfulfilled desire, as a sailor finds himself irresistibly drawn to the enigmatic siren beneath the sea. The narrative is rich with metaphor and vivid imagery, creating a dreamlike atmosphere where reality blurs with imagination. The piece captures the dangerous allure of the unattainable and the bittersweet nature of love that must remain unfulfilled, leaving readers with a haunting sense of beauty and melancholy.

A Sailor's Lament

Original Submission by Kyla Bragais

To: The siren beneath the sea

From: The sailor atop the ship

My sweet pearl,

So recklessly beautiful you are, residing below the raging waves. Why do you hide yourself beneath such dangerous children of nature? Is it an act of defense as a means for survival, or a search for solace in a world of chaos? Despite the threatening form they present, I cannot help but be drawn to the very being it protects.

You.

Your forlorn gaze occasionally meets my curious ones, seemingly eager to pry into the greatest depths of your soul. Like a moth to a flame, like Icarus to the sun, I cannot help but stare. Forgive my lack of tact, for I lose all my senses when it comes to you. An enigma that plagues my mind with restless thoughts, keeping me awake on nights I should be sleeping. Instead, I spend those nights with my feet dangling near the surface of the ocean, staring into the reflection of the moonlight on your abode. It is distorted and a mess, but I choose to stare at the false picture, in hopes of seeing you through it.

I let my toes sink into the water, relishing in the warmth it possesses. My fingers envy them, for they too, wish to run their pads onto the tide-my safety be damned! I’d allow myself to fall onto the ocean as I had for you, sinking into the manifestation of my doom. The stinging sensation of the salty water on my eyes would be long forgotten as I keep them open for you. The pain is a dismissible struggle if it means I get to see you in the flesh. Perhaps the view would surprise me so, and my jaw would hang open in awe. Water would enter my lungs and I’d lose my ability to breathe, but what is oxygen to the sight of you up close?

Still, I can’t help but yearn for the things that keep me alive, and so my hands that longed to touch you would instead find their way onto my neck. They’d latch onto the skin, as though their grip would keep me from getting closer to death. In the case of such a tragedy, could you brush your lips against mine and will the pain away? Could you breathe life into me as every part of my body latches onto yours? The thought of drowning doesn’t feel so frightening if it’s you who’ll bring me back up to the shore. Against my will, I’d cough up the water that invaded my being (the only traces of the illicit moments we shared-evidence of us becoming one, albeit momentarily). You’d pull away almost instantly, and my hands would find yours again as a plea for you to stay and engage in my delusions.

But you are too fearful of my kind, of those that would flinch upon taking notice of your skin. To be with me would be a sin whose consequences we cannot stray from, and so I cannot blame you for turning your back on me. You’d return to the ocean, to where you truly belong, leaving me with soaked clothes and a farce of saltwater-stained cheeks. I’d fist the sand beneath me, and they’d exit the gaps of my fingers as quickly as you had left. I’d choose to lie on them instead, and look at the moon shining down on me-a blatant mockery of all the things that transpired, the root of all I had gone through.

It calls out to me in a deafening whisper, reprimanding my inconsolable grief birthed by my want to draw the line between us. Through it, I shall gain an understanding of where you and I have stood, and shall continue to stand. You, below the sea that I admire so much, and I, above the ship that belongs with the skies.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary artistry, welcoming writers from around the world to showcase their creativity. This esteemed competition brings together diverse voices and unique perspectives, fostering a global community of writers who push the boundaries of storytelling through poetry, flash fiction, essays, and more.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kyla Bragais for sharing "A Sailor's Lament" with us. This evocative piece adds depth and beauty to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, reminding us of the power of storytelling to captivate and inspire. Thank you, Kyla, for your contribution to this literary journey.

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.