A Warrior's Heart - By Zoya Salahuddin

Written By: Zoya Salahuddin

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing Zoya Salahuddin with her poignant poem "A Warrior's Heart," a featured submission in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This piece, nestled within the poetry category, explores themes of love, struggle, and resilience. Salahuddin's work captures the emotional journey of a warrior at heart, intertwining mythological elements with personal introspection. Join us as we delve into this lyrical exploration of courage and determination.

About the Work

"A Warrior's Heart" is a rich tapestry of mythological imagery and emotional depth. Zoya Salahuddin weaves a narrative that speaks to the enduring resilience of the human spirit. The poem is imbued with references to classical mythology, invoking figures like Venus and Mars, which enhance its timeless quality. The mood is introspective and defiant, as the speaker grapples with betrayal and summons the courage to persevere. Through vivid imagery and a strong narrative voice, the poem offers a powerful message of strength and tenacity.

A Warrior's Heart

Original Submission by Zoya Salahuddin

A Warrior's Heart

Your eyes they shine with the stars,

O Venus, let my love be redeemed,

Teach me how to fight for my heart O Mars.

A prophecy by Delphi foreseen.

Muse, pull the arrows from my back!

Love, how could you? You're the one who impaled it,

Love, how could you? When you turned yours too.

Bleeding out on the battleground of deception, solemnly, my weapons I contract.

As the Moirai threaten to snap the thread binding us together, my cathartic confession stands clear,

But the chilling blade of Atropos' abhorrent shears persevere.

Thence, I muster all my courage,

O Muse, Dear Muse, you mustn't forget,

A warrior's heart never relents.

* Zoya Salahuddin

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that celebrates the diverse voices of writers from around the globe. This competition provides a platform for poets, storytellers, and essayists to showcase their talent and share their unique perspectives with a wider audience. Participants are encouraged to explore a range of themes and styles, making this an enriching experience for both contributors and readers alike.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Zoya Salahuddin for her contribution to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. "A Warrior's Heart" is a testament to her talent and creative vision. We are grateful for the opportunity to share this evocative piece with our audience and look forward to seeing more of her work 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.