A Wink - By Milana Bhullar

Written By: Milana Bhullar

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Milana Bhullar, writing under the name "Daffodils," brings us her evocative poem "A Wink," submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. As a participant in this prestigious competition, Milana explores deeply personal and universal themes through her poetic expression. "A Wink" weaves a rich tapestry of emotions, capturing the essence of love, loss, and the haunting nature of memory.

About the Work

"A Wink" captures the reader's imagination with its vivid imagery and emotional depth. The poem reflects on themes of love and the enduring pain of loss, using nature as a metaphorical backdrop. The contrast between the speaker's inner turmoil and the indifferent beauty of the natural world creates a poignant narrative that resonates deeply. Milana's use of language and rhythm adds to the haunting, melancholic mood of the piece.

Daffodils

Original Submission by Milana Bhullar

A wink I don’t sleep with a mind too laden,

And a wink I don’t after when my thoughts are like air,

Beads of salt roll down my skin as if I’m a maiden,

Yet the blooms sway without a bloody care.

I lay with ebbing pleasure,

And feel with disgust my heart steadily beat,

I cache among empty bottles that colour my mind so,

The voice of her song I will never again meet,

And still the flowers move and wave in a n unburdened hello.

Their petals billow gently like her pure, diaphanous dress,

Their gold a mere rusting penny when met with her smile,

Her face fallen and pallid offer I’d yes,

A fat diamond in her ring finger I slid,

Before we threaded down the aisle.

She donned a tight apron and hummed not for the mean flowers’ dance,

Her hair down and wild, mingling with the breeze,

She kneaded thick dough with nothing in her glance,

Her ring; not dusted white, from when she slipped it off with ease

As the flowers rocked slightly in the night to only the sounds of our barking mutt,

I’d slept and I dreamt of this woman I love,

She was laying next to me when all my comfort she’d gut,

As she ran with a cry and left her beloved.

I ran even as Brad’s monkey air shaved the insides of my throat,

I screamed till its shrill travelled through the night and my mouth grew hot,

I felt my heart prune and the column in my neck bloat,

The way of flowers pointed to where she was a blot.

Even as a smudge of dull colour I thought she was marvellous,

Even as she’d stayed small no matter how I’d ran,

Even as she through to the crowd of egging flowers,

The banded rock she treated anomalous,

Even as she jumped;

It was all my life before she’d reach land.

I felt the starkers earth beneath the pads of my feet,

I felt yellow flowers crush under my knees,

I cradled her heart to mine that still beat;

Here would never again despite my soaring pleas.

The stars continued to flicker and stones continued to gleam,

My eyes would only ever shut and see her erase from that lonely cliff,

Her red frame and quiet fall would forever haunt my fleeting dreams,

Even after a silent walk or I had later breath seven spliffs.

I’d hobbled like a sailor down the dancing meadow,

The awful flowers were muted but didn’t sit still at my expense,

I stepped into the air as she did then and felt my screams echo,

I really did never fall in love again.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is an esteemed platform celebrating the art of poetry and creative writing. It invites writers from around the world to share their unique voices and stories. The competition aims to foster a global community of literary enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty and power of the written word.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Milana Bhullar for sharing her beautiful poem "A Wink" in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your participation enriches the contest and provides readers with a glimpse into the profound depths of human emotion and experience.

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.