A Tree without Roots - By Svara Naidoo

Written By: Svara Naidoo

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Svara Naidoo presents "A Tree without Roots," a compelling poem that delves into themes of identity and purpose. Classified under the poetry category, this work reflects on the resilience and constancy of nature amidst a rapidly changing world. Through vivid imagery and introspective musings, Naidoo invites readers to ponder the essence of identity and the significance of remaining true to oneself, regardless of external circumstances.

About the Work

"A Tree without Roots" by Svara Naidoo offers a reflective exploration of the constancy of purpose, even as the world changes around us. The poem employs rich imagery to depict a solitary tree growing in an unexpected place, serving as a metaphor for human resilience and steadfastness. Through its contemplative tone, the poem questions whether one's essence is altered when not recognized or appreciated, ultimately affirming the unwavering nature of true purpose.

A Tree without roots by Svara Naidoo

Original Submission by Svara Naidoo

The tree without roots

By Svara Naidoo

I saw a tree grow from a road today,

providing a perfect ring of shade on a place no one will stay

On a highway of cars that speed away.

I wonder if it still believes in the faithful work its branches weaved,

to guard the earth, to cool the air, to be the answer to a prayer.

Does purpose bend when worlds rearrange?

When ground is stolen and seasons change?

The world may spin, the map may shift, but does our calling change with it?

Does it not belong in rolling green hills, for wandering feet and windowsills?

For birds that sang from hidden nests, for travelers pausing there to rest.

But now its roots unearth human plans

Through measured lines and tar

The traffic swerves, annoyed and delayed.

It’s inconvenient. Out of place.

And I thought,

if no one sits beneath its care,

if no one breathes its cooler air,

is it less a tree, or simply true

to what it was born to do?

And what of us, when we are moved

from gentle ground where once we proved

the simple goodness of our purpose.

If no one waits beneath our grace,

if hurried lives refuse our place,

if what we offer goes unseen,

do we become what might have been?

And I wonder again.

If I do not write,

if the words stay silent inside my chest,

if whole worlds live and die within my mind

but never find their way to rest

upon a page.

Am I still a writer then?

Or just a watcher of the pen?

A keeper of unwritten scenes,

a witness to imagined dreams?

If stories bloom but stay unsaid,

still rooted somewhere in my head,

does silence strip my name away,

or does my calling choose to stay?

Or is the truth much harder to view:

that purpose is not changed by you?

That even in a faithless crowd,

you are still called to stand, unbound.

The tree did not become less kind

because the world had changed its mind.

It kept becoming what it was despite the absence of where it belongs.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the art of storytelling and verse. This prestigious event invites writers and poets from around the world to share their unique voices and perspectives. The competition is a platform for creative expression, where participants explore diverse themes and showcase their literary talents to a global audience.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Svara Naidoo for sharing "A Tree without Roots" in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. The poem's introspective nature and profound insights into purpose and identity provide a thought-provoking experience for readers. Thank you, Svara, for contributing your voice to this enriching literary event.

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.